Feature Review: De Vere Belton Woods

Feature article from Golfshake.com guest writer Adam Smith

 

The Course

Set in the heart of Lincolnshire is the beautiful Belton Woods resort. Two championship courses set over 475 acres including an additional nine-hole par three course and an excellent four star 96 room hotel facility and many woodland lodges.

My Experience

I played the lakes course which I’m led to believe is the more challenging of the two. With water coming into play on an incredible 13 out of the 18 holes, accuracy has never been so understated.

I am going back to play the Woodside course so I can answer my own question.

Don’t let that put you off though, some of the holes it is a subtle danger where as others such as the 8th or 10th you can’t help but get nervous when approaching the green.

The signature hole is no doubt the par four 10th. At 337 yards off the yellow tees, the stroke index four has ruined many a back nine before it has even got under way. Miss the fairway bunkers either side, and be careful not to run out of fairway if you hit the driver, and you are left with a stunning looking second.

You have a green that is slightly elevated and very undulating that is only 40 yards deep to hit and it is literally surrounded by water. A great hole and after you have taken your breath back, a par here is a great score!

Before you get to the 10th tee, you must take on one of the longest par five’s in Europe. Amassing over 600 yards off championship tees, you even have to battle with a small stream on that hole as well.

It is a typical De Vere course, open driving holes that giving you optimism that you are going to have a good day and the minimal hazards that catch you every time has you cursing the great game.

I was very impressed again with the state of the greens, something I found out when I spoke to the pro, they work on very hard on. They don’t have any temporary greens so they worked even harder to make sure they are in top condition, which they usually are even after our harshest winter for many years.

The lakes course is one that a high handicapper may struggle on given the amount of water. It is a fun test of golf that gave me the feeling that I had left many a shot out on the course, making me want to play it again. That must be a feeling of a good course.

Ask the Pro

I spoke with Golf and Leisure operations manager Andy Cameron to get some inside knowledge.

Q: What three tips would you give a first time player of the lakes course?
A:  Buy a stoke saver, defiantly get on the range before hand to make sure you are ready on the first tee. It is a long course so you need to be prepared, and finally a most importantly, club selection, it is so important especially with all the water to give yourself a chance to score low.

Q: What is your favourite hole?
A: Defiantly the 10th, it is the best risk and reward hole I have played. Drive down the left to give yourself the best chance to attack the flag. It is still a good 110 yards to get up the bank and over the water to get to what is sometimes a tucked away pin position.

Q: What is the toughest hole out there in your opinion?
A: For me it is the third, it is a long dog-leg par four, with a small tricky green that slopes from front to back.

Q: What is your best score around the lakes?
A: One under 71.

Q: Finally, you have one last round in you, where would you play?
A: Loch Lomond.

Additional Information

The resort is easy to find off the A1. Driving range facilities are available as well as all the spa and leisure amenities in the four star hotel on site.

Prices start at as little as £79 per person up until the end of April 2010, so get yourself booked in for a relaxing weekend of golf today.