The London Club

[JungleJ]

Just been invited on a corporate day at The London Club - imagine I will be playing the International course. Anyone here played it? Any tips?

[Lefty]

Take plenty of ammo and enjoy it. My ex employer had a corporate membership there and I played it couple of times. Both courses are excellent tests of golf and fun.

They have Japanese baths , so rememebr to wash your self before going intot he plunge pool , as Japanese expect you to be clean before they share water with you.

[JungleJ]

I am really looking forward to it. It's been a while since I played a nicer venue.

[Lefty]

5th Hole on Heritage is a great par five. You stand on top of a hill after your tee shot, thinking about a 230 yard carry over water and eagle putt or a 7 iron to safety...great hole

[JungleJ]

Originally Posted by Lefty

5th Hole on Heritage is a great par five. You stand on top of a hill after your tee shot, thinking about a 230 yard carry over water and eagle putt or a 7 iron to safety...great hole

I'll be hitting 7 iron, you can take that to the bank.

[Putton]

Been? Comments?

[Lefty]

Been? Comments?

Both courses are excellent tests of golf and fun.

That sums it up.

[JungleJ]

Originally Posted by Putton

Been? Comments?

When I play (end of May) I will post a report. Try to get some pics as well

[JungleJ]

Apparently we will be playing the International course, off the yellow tees.

[Putton]

Originally Posted by JungleJ

Apparently we will be playing the International course, off the yellow tees.

Good luck mate. How long is the course off the yellow tees?

[JungleJ]

Originally Posted by Putton

Good luck mate. How long is the course off the yellow tees?

About 6100 yards, which is a good length for corporate days unless you are sure you only have decent players.

[JungleJ]

I played the International course last Friday - no pictures as I forgot the camera. It was a hot humid day and conditions were excellent.

My thoughts:

The course was in fantastic condition - quick true greens, great fairways and tee boxes.
It is a great experience for us humbler golfers - the whole service from arrival to departure is excellent without any pretension. Obviously it's even better when your hosts have sorted out all the details, like breakfast, hiring GPS carts etc. I got a brilliant pitchmark repair tool that I will keep in my bag (usually I add them to my collection).
The course itself I thought a good test of golf, but not overly exciting. The whole thing feels a bit artificial and relies in the main on fescue as the big hazard. I wouldn't say no if invited again but if organising a golf day myself I'd prefer Foxhills or East Sussex.

Finally, even though we all had carts, strokesavers, and a quiet course, the round took SIX hours. Granted it's a long course from hole to hole, but it was ridiculous. Maybe a bit less fescue would speed things up a bit.

FWIW I didn't play brilliantly - 27 points. Putted OK but everything else was off. Had a laugh at least.

[JungleJ]

Oh yes, and the overall winner shot 44 points ( 8 under par) off a 20 handicap. A sombrero was duly despatched!

[Lefty]

44 points ( 8 under par) off a 20 handicap

the round took SIX hours

This is why I do not play corporate days.

[JungleJ]

44 points is rather a lot, you have to say... I only had 27 so had no interest in the outcome.

The six hours didn't feel that long - we were always moving along, but we had to look for at least one ball on every hole. Scarily we were never pushed by the group behind.

[JungleJ]

I've been invited on the same corporate day again this year. Even though I think the course is overrated I'm still looking forward to it - the hosts really look after you and it's always a treat to play a well-maintained course. Let's hope I can conjure some game out of the hat.