Today’s featured golf course is St Enodoc, a first rate course which is always a favourite amongst Golfing parties at the Camelot.
Finest links course in the South West?
Ranked 55th in the World for 2009 by Golf Digest for courses outside the United States, St Enodoc has one of the finest links golf courses in the South West of England with everything you would expect from a James Braid design; undulating fairways, firm greens, some blind shots and all with the added bonus of some of the greatest sea and estuary views on any course in the world. With its hilly terrain no two holes are the same; it may not be long by today's standards but it is tight with punishing rough and so requires courage and accuracy to cope with some of the problems posed.
The Church course
St Enodoc's Church course enjoys a justified reputation as one of the West Country's finest links layouts. It may not look it but the par 5 1st is one of the easier holes even if you have to thread your way carefully between the sand dunes. Pars are harder to come by on the long par 4 2nd and 3rd holes.
The 6th really sticks in the mind - a 378-yarder that kinks left at driving distance then climbs up to the green. A hidden fairway bunker may catch out longer players seeking a view of the green but laying up short and right leaves a blind shot over the cavernous "Himalaya" bunker you simply don't want to be in.
The 10th hole is often described as the course's signature hole as it winds its way towards 11th Century St Enodoc Church where John Betjeman lies buried beside his favourite course. It is Stroke Index 1 for good reason! A good drive needs to be followed by an even better second to avoid the lateral hazard which runs the length of the hole which creeps ever close to the left side of the green.
Over the memorable final stretch it is hard to find the right club on the downhill par 3 15th, while the par 5 16th boasts a roller-coaster fairway and potentially distracting sea views all the way down the right. The hole has been lengthened to 560 yards with a two-tier green surrounded by deep bunkers and has now become a stern test particularly into wind and sets the tone for the closing three holes.
You'll need to conjure up your best strikes to make par on the long par 3 17th and tough 446 yard 18th. As you putt out in full view of the clubhouse, you'll probably have total recall of all the magnificent holes you've just enjoyed - a sign of a truly great course. Any visitor who plays to their handicap here can leave feeling that they have done really well.
The Holywell course
The 4082 yard Par 63 Holywell course is also maintained to a very high standard and while it may be less demanding on stamina, it still provides a real test of skill for golfers of any handicap.
Golfing parties at the Camelot play on a selection of 15 varied courses in Cornwall and Devon. Today’s featured course is Lanhydrock.