Feature Review Ryston Park Golf Club

Review by Golfshake Member Mark Bunting (19 handicap) - Aug 2014

An attractive 9 hole parkland course Ryston Park was designed by the late James Braid in 1933. Situated on the A10 near Downham Market (Norfolk).

With excellent drainage and a reputation for being in immaculate condition all year round. Its been a members course since its construction and the old style clubhouse reminds you straight away of how golf used to be.

Pre round thoughts 

Must admit I wasn't expecting anything exciting from this day, just I had been past it many times and as the car park was always full it sort of lured you!

No pro shop but on arrival we were greeted by the Lady Captain who sat down and had a chat, a lovely Lady (Pam)... to be she fair did try to get me to join so was doing her job brilliantly!

Chef wasn't in at 10.30 so no bacon butties....which was a little disappointing! Seniors day so we had to wait until they had all cleared from the first 9 holes then off we went with near perfect winter paying conditions, nippy but dry and no wind!

Par 3's

The 7th/16th is 141 yards over a pond, surrounded by trees and bunkers.... my only advice.... PLAY LONG!

Par 4's 

The 1st look easy but straight, but its all about positioning of the tee shot... the first wants to be middle, if your right or left you are blocked by BIG trees... and you still have a long middle iron to go.

Hole 2 - again tee shot a must, over to the right is good but watch the bunker! Green is hidden slightly!

Par 5's 

Most golfers should be ok with this, no need to big hit you should be near in 3ish on every one of them. 

Post round thoughts

I played ok but the course won in the end. Fantastic greens, receptive and well manicured.... some advice though, walk the putt from every angle as they are deceiving (3 x 3 puts for me which is very unusual). Course management is a must on every hole its not always that obvious!

Bar was visited and it was good to see members using it. Friendly bar staff and service was spot on.

Final thoughts

We got a winters deal which was midweek £21 including a meal, spot on!!

I must admit from my pre round thoughts I did have to eat humble pie (no that wasn't my dessert!)... this course is a challenge, nice on the legs but will make a grown man cry (allegedly!)

It was nice to be back at a true golfing traditional roots club... thank you and I will be back to tame you.

Mark's rating 8/10

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