Mature parkland, hole by hole
Eighteen holes of gently rolling Cheshire parkland, matured over fifty years into a course that rewards thought.
Gently rolling parkland, matured over fifty years into a fair but searching test.
Tree-lined fairways and true, honest greens make for a fair but searching test — there isn't a weak hole among the eighteen, and the parkland setting is at its glorious best on a still summer evening.
Five holes that stay with you after the round — though every member has a favourite of their own to argue for over a pint.
4th · Mill Lane · Par 5
A reachable par five that tempts and punishes in equal measure. The fairway runs downhill past Mill Lane and the old hedgerow, inviting you to have a go in two — but the pond guarding the front of the green has swallowed more brave second shots than the card will ever admit. Lay up to a full wedge and the birdie is there for the taking; gamble, and bring a spare ball.
7th · The Pond · Par 3
The prettiest short hole on the course, and the one that empties most pockets in the sweep. Nothing but water between the tee and a shallow green set at an angle behind it, bunkers left and a bank falling away right. On a still morning it's a picture; when the breeze stirs across the parkland it becomes a proper examination of nerve. Take enough club and commit to it.
9th · The Long Un · Par 4
The hardest two-shotter on the card, and it wears the stroke index proudly — long, tree-lined and rarely with the wind behind you. A good drive threaded between the timber still leaves a long iron or rescue to a green that turns visitors away politely but firmly. A four here is worth two anywhere else, and most walk off perfectly content with a five and a smile.
13th · Hartsmere · Par 4
The hole that gives the club its name, and the one members bring their guests to see. A sweeping dogleg that bends around a stand of century-old oaks, asking for a drive shaped to the corner and an approach held against the slope. The green sits in a natural amphitheatre ringed by those grand old trees — find the heart of it and you'll not forget the putt, whichever way it breaks.
17th · The Oaks · Par 5
Three honest blows up the long rise for home, the great oaks closing in tighter with every step. There's no shortcut to be had — just good, straight golf rewarded, and anything loose gathered up by the timber down either side. The green is the highest point on the course, and the view back over the parkland from beside the flag is one of the quiet pleasures of a round at Hartsmere.
Scorecard
| Hole | Par | SI | White | Yellow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Beeches | 4 | 7 | 388 | 362 |
| 2. Keeper's Cottage | 4 | 3 | 401 | 375 |
| 3. The Dell | 3 | 17 | 172 | 146 |
| 4. Mill Lane | 5 | 11 | 512 | 486 |
| 5. Copper Beech | 4 | 13 | 366 | 340 |
| 6. Foxglove | 4 | 1 | 410 | 384 |
| 7. The Pond | 3 | 15 | 188 | 162 |
| 8. Badger's Reach | 4 | 9 | 395 | 369 |
| 9. The Long Un | 4 | 5 | 421 | 395 |
| 10. Spinney Turn | 4 | 8 | 374 | 348 |
| 11. The Mill Stream | 5 | 12 | 498 | 472 |
| 12. Bluebell | 3 | 18 | 159 | 133 |
| 13. Hartsmere | 4 | 4 | 408 | 382 |
| 14. The Glade | 4 | 2 | 433 | 407 |
| 15. Heron's Rest | 4 | 10 | 380 | 354 |
| 16. Sunset | 3 | 16 | 196 | 170 |
| 17. The Oaks | 5 | 14 | 524 | 498 |
| 18. Homeward | 4 | 6 | 379 | 353 |
Around the parkland
