Richings Park Course review

RICHINGS PARK GOLF CLUB

NORTH PARK

IVER

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

SLO 9DL

TEL:01753 655352

FAX:01753 655409

PAR 70: 6094 Yards (Whites) 5834 (Yellow)

Situated in the grounds of an 18th Century Manor house, Richings Park has been waiting since then for someone to lay down a golf course.

I am sure that the mature oaks and firs were strategically planted to frustrate inaccurate golfers of the twentieth century. However, if you are accurate from the tee then you can reap the rewards that this picturesque parkland course can offer.

The first six holes allow you to open your shoulders. They have a distinct ‘links’ feel to them and even require the classic bump’n’run into the well defended and immaculately prepared USGA specification greens.
The 165-yard par-3 6th needs a shot of sniper accuracy to a green encompassed by hazards, hence the name ‘Straight as you go’.

The 7th, 8th and 9th all demand pinpoint tee shots to avoid catching the next train to Bogeyville. This is the tricky part of the course and nothing but accurate iron play and a seasoned short game will get you through unscathed. Watch out for the trees, they seem to have an appetite for balata. If they’re not hungry, the numerous water hazards will be.

The back nine takes you back through history, visiting World War Two bomb shelters and the ‘Ice House’ where they used to store perishable food for the Manor House.
It is user friendly, but you must avoid the bunkers, water and wood. Others need some serious thought, such as the 15th, a strong 419 yard par-4 demanding that you drive the ball “straight up the garden hosepipe” to avoid the dreaded splash in the lake to the right. The approach to the green is equally difficult and will require a long iron dispatched from the middle of the blade.

The finishing hole asks the ultimate question at the end of a pleasant walk, it could make or break your score.

Richings Park is a pleasant stroll around beautiful countryside. You can “smell the flowers along the way” and encounter some interesting wildlife and there is not much walking between green and tee.

With a great clubhouse serving good food and ale and in close proximity to the motorway network and Heathrow Airport, Richings Park has everything that you will need for a relaxing days golf.

HOW TO GET THERE: Leave the M4 at junction 5, take the A4 Colnbrook bypass towards Uxbridge, turn left into Sutton Lane then right along North Park Road. The entrance is on the right hand side.