Course Guide
Course Guide
The Professions view by Alan Thompson
Your scorecard may start well over the first three holes but then you will cross the Wirral Way Country Park to play the 4th - 209 yard, par 3, heading straight for the Dee Estuary and then turn into the prevailing wind to play the 605 yards par 5 - 5th hole with the marsh on the left all the way. Survive these two and take a breather at the 6th and then play the short 7th -167 yards and the 8th - 370 yards both with undulating greens guarded by water, then turn down wind to play the par 5 - 9th which again requires you to make a choice to carry a meandering stream or play short, to complete the outward half.
Now to the 10th the tee shot here gets narrower the further you go and even the best of them leaves a testing 2nd to a green tucked very close to the Wirral Way. A couple of tough holes in the next four will certainly add to your pleasure and possibly your score as you make your way to confront the dog leg 15th. At 474 yards par 4 even with the prevailing wind this hole can be a card wrecker and then the 16th - 190 yards up hill asks further questions of your game before you emerge on to the 17th where you can again begin to enjoy the views across to Wales, the Point of Ayr and Hilbre Island in the west.
Look out for 18th's very tricky green before sampling the hospitality of the Clubhouse and veranda which again allows you to take in the views and fresh air, this time unhindered by club and ball.
Signature hole: 5th
Championship course - 605 yards
White - 545 yards
A very strong hole in a beautiful spot. Take your pick from the tee straight over the stream for a clear look at your second shot or bale out to the right, which compromise leaves a more awkward second shot. Having negotiated this, play your third and try to hit the right part of a very undulating green to give yourself your best chance with the putter. A hole that asks questions at each stage of its play if you are going to make par. But then, if you don't come up with the answers you can always enjoy the wonderful panoramic views over the Bird Sanctuary across the Dee Estuary to Wales and Hilbre Island in the west. Breath the fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet - no time spent at Heswall is without its pleasures.