Following two seasons of course renovations and improvements, St Enodoc Golf Club’s Holywell Course is now ideal for a round of feel-good factor golf that is fun, yet still provides a little bit of a challenge.
Shorter in length and with easier carries than the main Church Course, the 4,082-yard Holywell has been quietly gaining a reputation as a well-presented, short course that makes for an enjoyable round for golfers of every level for a green fee of just £25.
Whilst some holes are demanding with small, target greens, the Holywell’s nine par 3s and nine par 4s are all very makeable in two so making pars is relatively easy and results in rewarding golf.
For experienced golfers, the Holywell offers the chance to record an encouragingly-low score with the added benefit of only taking under three hours to complete whilst senior golfers appreciate the short carries and light rough. Meanwhile juniors, players not in possession of a valid handicap and beginners are all able to make their way around the course and find it an entertaining and pleasurable introduction to the game.
The modest green fee includes access to this historic golf club – founded in 1890 – and its extensive practice facilities which comprise a driving range complete with a target green and covered bay facility, two putting greens, a short game practice area and two PGA coaching professionals. In addition, the clubhouse provides the full range of usual amenities plus an elegant, relaxed terrace for al fresco dining in warm weather.
In the last two years greater resources than ever before have been employed over the club’s secondary course with much of the greenkeepers’ time spent renewing tees, manicuring bunkers and upgrading the overall presentation of the course to a level enjoyed on the club’s 6,547-yard Church Course.
“Now that the Holywell is in the greatest shape it’s ever been, it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable round over a course that is much quieter and less pressurised than our main course,” comments Tuck Clagett, manager of St Enodoc.
“It’s a great little track for higher handicappers and youngsters who are just starting to get a feel for the game and for the older generation who can find the long Church Course with its stiff rough rather difficult and intimidating.
“Accomplished golfers should not discount the Holywell either as it’s a classy, little short course for those with limited time. It’s especially pleasant at this time of year on a balmy evening as the sun goes down as the long shadows bring an ethereal beauty and serenity to the course.”
Historically St Enodoc has always been known first and foremost for its James Braid-designedChurch Course which is generally considered to be one of the finest championship links courses in south west England. However the Holywell comes a close second in terms of history and provenance.
Almost since golf was first played at St Enodoc there have been holes on the north side of the present clubhouse, at times part of the now Church Course and at times part of a shorter nine-hole course, which now form part of the Holywell.
Today’s first nine of the Holywell were originally designed by Braid as well and still offer some real character holes. In 1982 additional land was acquired in order to extend the course to the full 18 holes it is now. Since then some further modifications and the addition of some bunkers were made to give the current layout.
St Enodoc Golf Club www.st-enodoc.co.uk