On first impression, Shandon’s imposing gates offer an almost royal welcome to both members and visitors alike. The imposing clubhouse stands tall and wide with its unique design features and angled roof offering plenty to divulge for the architecturally minded.

The professional’s shop offers a small but effective range of clubs, clothing and accessories to suit all tastes, with prices being very reasonable. Great preparation for the 1st tee!

As our four ball stood patiently on the tee box, there was time to take in the beauty of the surroundings. Shandon Park is a very mature course, with magnificent foliage, impeccable fairways and fantastic greens.

Having played here before, I knew what to expect. There are very few blind tee shots which is particularly welcoming to visitors who stray off line. Each green is deceptively fast and run true to the slopes. The par of 70 makes the course rather difficult as there are only 2 Par 5 birdie opportunities and 4 unique yet difficult Par 3’s.

Green fees vary throughout the year, but with the quality Shandon Park offers both on course and at the 19th, any fee under £40 must be considered a bargain!

Photos

Featured Hole – 3

The third, a dog legged Par 5, plays longer than its yardage suggests. From an elevated tee, everything falls away to the right making the hole suited to a right to left ball flight. Use the central, single tree as a marker, or for the optimum line, use the radio tower situated on Cave Hill. The green is reachable in 2 for the longer players, but with severe bunkerage and water hazards galore, it needs to be a calculated risk.

The green itself is the biggest on the course and wouldn’t look out of place at Augusta National. There are fall away sections both right and left, with a water hazard behind and to the right. Bunkers are in play to the front both left and right. Take care on the approach and a birdie should be yours!

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