- Water Torture
-
- A decade ago Oake Manor was
transformed from the home of 200 cows into one of the
most popular golfing venues in the heart of good old
cider country.
-
- Nestled between the Quantock,
Brendon and Blackwood Hills in an idyllic rural setting,
the 6,105-yard Par 70 course is very much American-style
in that it features plenty of water and sand. The
dreaded wet stuff is particularly prominent, featuring
on no fewer than 10 holes!
-
- So, there were plenty of Card
Wrecker candidates - it was a close call before the 5th
eventually got the nod. The par 3s especially will test
your nerve, with the first two short holes involving
water - to the right of the 4th green and guarding the
front of the 162-yard 6th.
-
- There's also water everywhere on
the 456-yard 15th. The green virtually surrounded by it
(there's even a waterfall) but if you've got a Sunday
best drive you might fancy your chances of getting on in
two. This is your classic risk reward hole....best of
luck!
-
- It's the start of a thrilling
run-in and you need to be striking the ball solidly if
you're to prevent the wheels from falling off. The 16th
is only 135-yards but, once again, there's more water to
think about, this time protecting the right hand side of
the green.
-
- A quirky short par 4 provides the
grand finale - try a 3-wood to the right side of the
fairway followed by a blind short iron to a raised
green. It's a terrific finish.
-
- Incidentally, you'll be pleased to
hear that Oake Manor is a free draining course which
never uses temporary greens, though it's possible you'll
be teeing off on some quality Astroturf mats.
-
- CARD WRECKER
- 5th, 412 Yards, Par 4
-
- It's stroke index 1 and no wonder.
There's water virtually all the way down the left hand
side and if your prepared to gamble you need to skirt as
close to the 'drink' as possible to get the best and
shortest route to the green. But it's a big ask...
-
|
