Played by NCG: Crookhill Park
Reason for a Crookhill Park Golf Club review
My parents have been members here for years and I always enjoy taking them on at their home course.
I look at the scorecard and think it’s going to be easy but a few blobs and lost balls later, I’m struggling to rack up 30 points.
Where is Crookhill Park?
Smack bang between Rotherham and Doncaster near Conisbrough.
What to expect
A tricky test with some really narrow fairways and plenty of trees.
Has a few nice and gentle holes and a couple of real stinkers which, despite playing there about 10 times, I’m yet to master.
Favourite hole
Despite being known at the ‘card wrecker’ the 11th is still the best hole because even a five on this tough par-4 really is to be savoured.
A narrow drive between trees and over a ditch leaves still leaves a massive second shot to a raised green with a small wall at the end of the fairway.
Most modest hitters will treat it as a par-5, laying up in front of the wall with their second, third, or fourth shot.
There’s no bail-out shot around the green either. A four here will feel better than a birdie.
My best bit
I really enjoy the final four holes as the 15th has a generous fairway, the 16th has a fantastic raised green, the 17th tee shot is one of the best of the round from a raised tee box and the 18th has another brilliant raised green.
What to look out for
Be careful with your tee shots on the 1st and 10th. Anyone who gets too greedy and tries to cut the corner will inevitably end up looking for their ball in the trees.
When I go back
I’ll finally beat my dad. It’s long overdue. My best chance of doing that will be to use the driver sparingly.
Played by NCG: Bingley St Ives Golf Club
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
