Course Facts:
Par: 72
Length: 7,047 yards / 6,442 metres
Opening: Front 9 holes opened 17 July 2008. Full course is expected to open in late 2009.
Greenfees: Reduced greenfees for hotel residents
Description:
Designed by the renwoned Jeff Howes, the front 9 holes of the Farnham Estate Golf Course are now open for play. This stunning parkland course is spread over 500 acres of rolling countryside and dense woodland. The two nines are quite contrasting in nature. The gentle but challenging journey on the front nine explores the undulating meadows of this magnificent estate while the back nine is a more vigorous test of golf, traveling through denser more rugged woodland.
The course opens with a gentle par four, but from the second onwards, the golfer can expect to have every aspect of their game tested to the limit.
Bunkers are not in plentiful supply at Farnham, but each one is very well positioned and in the main, quite large and flat. They are not manicured as one might expect, but aesthetically natural which is the overriding feeling of the whole estate.
The greens are a near-perfect texture and allow for a wide variety of possible pin positions, facilitating the enjoyment of all categories of golfer. The contours are interesting but sensible.
This par 72 course contains a good mix of holes. Many golfers will no doubt find the second quite a long par four while the fourteenth is a drivable one, especially if the wind is in your favour.
Only time will tell what the signature hole will be at Farnham and there are numerous possibilities such as the 2nd, 10th, 15th or 16th. The designer’s own favourite is the fourth, requiring a slight draw off the tee between two large oak trees, opening up a well guarded green with water behind and to the right.
A meandering stream and no less than seven lakes are features of this parkland spread, as well as ancient trees, a fairy fort, a wishing well, lots of wild garlic and indeed its fair share of wildlife.
This a long track by any standard and to ensure optimum enjoyment and year-long play, there are tarmac buggy paths throughout.