BEARWOOD LAKES

WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE P 15

Design 28 Setting 12 Memorability 12 Playability 7 Consistency 7 Presentation 7 TOTAL 73

The joint-biggest rise in this list. Why? In truth, it’s largely down to our error, especially in its Presentation mark, which was previously too low because it winters a little less well than others in the list. From April to September it’s faultless, though, and still good in December, and we have rectified that mistake here, thus its rise is significant.

Bearwood Lakes is a special place, impeccably presented and a visual delight. It’s a fun and fair course with many subtle elevation changes and a superb variety of holes. If you’re not on your game you will still enjoy the walk. If you don’t do that, perhaps consider another sport.

The opening run of holes are all very good and give opportunities to score before reaching the tough par-4 7th, which is justifiably SI1. A long tee shot through a narrow alley of mature pine trees is required before the hole turns uphill to the left. A beautiful brute of a hole.

The 8th is only 300 yards and trouble shouldn’t be in play, but it often is. Despite the club’s name, the lake protecting the par-3 9th is the first water to really be in play for most; until then it largely only adds to the aesthetics.

The first three holes on the back nine, all framed by majestic, tall trees, are stunning and arguably the best section. The 10th – a long, downhill par 4 protected by water short-right of the green – is followed by the 11th, a brilliantly designed par 5 where you miss the elevated, narrow green at your peril. Then comes the 12th, a tough but beautiful short hole. Water is very much in play on the 13th and 14th, which require the main lake to be navigated multiple times.

The 17th is an excellent short par 4, and 18 is a fitting finale, with a large water hazard carried on the second shot. A wickedly sloping green then needs to be mastered, meaning par will often win a match here.

We think even the most avid links or heathland aficionados will enjoy a round on the parkland of Bearwood Lakes.