‘For a 22 handicapper, the length posed a problem – it was very tough, but I loved it’

I’d been forewarned by numerous friends and colleagues who had played the Twenty

Ten before that it was a difficult course… it quickly became clear that they weren’t wrong. Being the highest handicapper in our group, playing off 22, I found a few of the holes daunting just by virtue of the sheer length never mind the strategically-placed bunkers and water. That said, no two holes were ever the same and I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was tough, but fantastic.

The tees and greens were in absolutely superb condition, despite the bad weather we’d had leading up to our visit, though it was probably helped by the fact that they’d hosted European Tour events on it a few weeks earlier. The greens were incredibly fast and challenging to read, while the general condition was top drawer – the fairways, greens and tees were all absolutely magnificent.

I didn’t really get a chance to use the practice facilities, but they looked top class. I enjoyed a tasty lunch in Rafters restaurant, while the evening meal at the bar and grill went down well too, though I would have preferred a little more choice on the menu. Then again, it may have been a smaller menu due to the pandemic, so you really can’t complain.

As far as I’m concerned, the only other negative point about our stay-and-play package was the fact we had to pay for parking at the hotel. That felt a little cheeky. Otherwise, it was a fantastic experience.