Has anyone played Stapleford Abbots in the last few weeks? What sort of nick is it in? What did you think of it overall?

Ive played a few new courses recently and because of the lack of rain here in sunny sussex, Ive come across some very scabby tees, parched bone dry fairways and rock hard greens and some very bad scores.

As the SE qualifier is there this week would be good to be forewarned on the condition be it good or not so good.

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Have played there twice in the last two weeks, and would say it is in good condition. Lots of doglegs! The greens are not particularly fast given the dry weather, and are true. You will have some bare lies off the fairways, but which course won't have them right now? Lots of unraked footprints in the bunkers when I played on Saturday, but there's only so much you can do about that if people don't rake after they've played their shot.

Doesnt sound too bad then Stuart! How did you fair over your 2 rounds off 11.5 ?

Are you playing in the SE qualifier? or do you just live on the doorstep?

Dave Cac handed Geordie.

David, The course is a nice one and you will have no trouble getting round it, I'm sure. Not so easy to get to though.

Try Toot Hill in ongar. The fairways are lush due to them having sprinklers and the course is lovely although not long at 5715 off the yellows. Off the whites its 6257 and after 3pm its only £19. You will not be dissapointed.

Not played it.....also not playing this time round as I'm away.........

But it looks bloody lush from the M25 as I drive past, maybe this is because IM at work and I can see people on the course!

The greens are being watered on a regular basis and will hold a ball.

Tees have started to be watered but are in a decent nick.

No fairway sprinklers so the fairways are hard, dry and bare.  Unless you have sprinklers then you are not going to get anything else considering the weather we've had this year.

Russ

Dave, first time I scored 91 playing just with a half set of irons and and second 89 with a full set.

Imagine what you could do if your putter worked. Maybe just take three clubs on Sunday.

My putter was working last night, and so was my driver, hence the 1.0 drop in handicap. Looks like you've done the same today. Good round, but we're not doing our qualifying hopes any favours here John

Got to be honest, I was really thinking the same. Shot 81 on perhaps one of the hardest courses I have played recently. Same as you, Putter, Driver and short game, all working fine. Look forward to Sunday.