Reason for a Ravensworth Golf Club review
A nice little bit of time off work means more time to play golf. So as I headed back up north I thought it would be the perfect time to go and play the course that has always been on my north east bucket list.
It did not disappoint.
Where is it?
Ravensworth Golf Club is in the heart of the north east of England just 7 miles south of Newcastle City Centre.
What to expect
The par 3’s really make this course stand out in my opinion. Off the whites the total yardage of the four holes is 795, including the 252 yard 7th. But don’t let the yardage put you off, these holes were designed by the great Alister McKenzie after all.
Chosen as one of Mckenzie’s greatest par 3 holes the 191 yard 5th hole really tests out your accuracy. Go long and you have a tough chip back and go left and you have a near impossible up and down. The only place you want to miss is right.
Fast greens. As I approached the 8th hole, a short dog leg left par 4, I noticed the two levels of the green. After completing the hole I hit a couple of putts from the top of the green to the pin position in the middle of the green and found my ball hurtling past the pin and off the front of the green.
It’s imperative on these greens to leave yourself the right side of the hole, otherwise you’ll be making doubles and triples before you know it.
My best bit
I’d have to say probably my birdie at the par 4 15th. A blind tee shot and no course knowledge is not a good combination. So a pully tee shot left was not the play. I found my ball on the 16th fairway with trees to get over and 162 to the pin.
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With a member walking up the 16th he simply said the words “good luck mate”. To which I stiffed a 7 iron to 8 feet. I still have no idea to this day how I managed it. It was a sort of high cutty thing which somehow had a bit of spin on it.
As I walked to the green the guys on the 16th tee started applauding. It would have been typical me to go ahead and miss the putt, but luckily I held my nerve and rolled it in.
My favourite hole
I think the 18th is brilliant. It’s an uphill short par 4 which really tempts you to go for the green. If you don’t have much wind you can probably squeeze a 3 wood to the front edge but a fade with the driver is probably the best way to reach.
If you’re not feeling too brave a lay up with an iron is the play. But with the clubhouse as a backdrop, and out of bounds right, attempting to drive the green can be a bit of a daunting thought and could potentially ruin a very good round.
When I go back
I’ll have a bit more knowledge of the course so I can plot my way around with a little less trepidation.
I’ll also make sure that I’ll leave my driver in the bag on a few certain holes to make sure I give myself a chance of making a par!
With great membership deals and visitors rates make sure you go and visit this greta north east course. Visit their website here.
Played by NCG: Swinley Forest
