China Fleet Country Club Golf Course Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook

The golf course at China Fleet - which is Highly Recommended on Golfshake - was designed by Dr Martin Hawtree and is located on the banks of the River Tamar.

The 180 acres of Cornish countryside is a fitting setting for a golf course that appeals to members and visitors alike.

The parkland course measures 5,520 yards (par 73) from the red tees, 6,254 yards (par 72) from the yellows and extends up to 6,551 yards from the white tees.

The undulating nature of the course makes for spectacular views from some of the tees and throughout your round.

Pre-Round Thoughts

Nice early start for @MattHolbrook86 reviewing @ChinaFleet today pic.twitter.com/OZAPg8ovRs

— golfshake (@golfshake) September 12, 2021

The setup at China Fleet is great. The 18-hole course is accompanied by the TopTracer driving range, chipping green and putting green, giving you more than you would need whether you are heading out to play, or just doing some work on your game.

The pro shop is well stocked with equipment and apparel for both men and women, alongside all the latest golf tech and refreshments. Again, precisely what is required.

Front 9 Overview

I loved the 1st hole - a fairly tight tee shot as the hole shifts from left to right. The bunker on the right of the fairway at the turn is well placed but if this is avoided you will find yourself with a lovely looking approach shot down to the green that sits with the Tamar in the distance.

The elevation change up the 3rd hole means it plays slightly longer than the card would suggest but bigger hitters might fancy a crack - avoiding the fairway bunkers that are somewhat blind from the tee will leave you a good chance at a three.

The 4th is a tough test, measuring 467 yards from the back tees, this par 4 does play slight downhill and fades from left to right but your approach shot is around the 200-yard mark - if not more - so try not to be too greedy.

Par 3s at the 5th and 7th both play over the ravine that is left naturally by the landscape. The 5th has length at 170 yards whilst the 7th has a longer narrow green that sits at an angle from the tee so club choice is crucial to get near the pin. Watch out for the deep bunkers short of the green too!

You finish the front with an attackable par 5 - but the tee shot isn’t easy. The holes move from left to right but if you overcook the fade the bunker is waiting, and you may even be blocked out by the trees. If you find the fairway, having a go in two is always an option, but this green is long and well protected by bunkers either side!

Back 9 Overview

In my opinion, the 11th hole was the hardest on the course - although the stroke index of 5 may suggest otherwise. 442 yards from the back tee. The tee shot is super demanding as not only do you need to get it far enough down, but you also really need to be as far right on the fairway as possible.

The tall tree between you and the green on the left blocks off anything that is left side and not only will the approach shot be blocked by the tree, you need to hit over the dip in the fairway. If that isn’t enough the green is challenging and well protected. A very tough hole!

The long par 5 13th plays down slightly but the tee shot and second shot feel somewhat fiddly so you need to make sure you think about position, probably not a hole to go at in two. Then you reach the 14th - the signature hole.

The tee shot needs to carry the lake that also comes into play on the 16th. The fairway raises up to the green with a fairway bunker on the left in an ideal spot. Not the hardest hole, but one you will enjoy regardless.

After the short par 3 15th which drops down to the green, the 16th is another challenging tee shot.

With the water running all the way down the left side, the hole is shaped from right to left meaning you have to flirt with the water to find position A in order to have an approach shot that will probably play a club long as you hit up to the raised green. Another really strong hole.

You finish up with the last of the par 5s that plays around 500 yards. Two well struck shots up the fairly narrow fairway will leave you a good chance for a birdie to end a great round of golf.

Post-Round Thoughts

I really enjoyed the course at China Fleet. I think it has a nice mixture of hole styles which means it will offer something for golfers of all abilities. The long holes are a bit more forgiving from the tee, the shorter holes a bit more demanding with well-placed bunkers. Longer hitting won’t need to hit driver on every par 4.

The course gives the opportunity to score, but will also punish a bad shot, and rightly so.

The greens are a good size and pretty fair as far as undulation goes - I don’t think there will be much that will catch you out.

I was impressed with the quality of the greens. I have played a few courses of this style based at hotels/health clubs and the condition can be a little bit lower than a pure golf venue. But not here at China Fleet. In fact, I don’t think I needed to repair one pitch mark from another golfer which is a feat in itself.

Verdict

Looking forward to getting out there tomorrow. @ChinaFleet @golfshake pic.twitter.com/Lhz2anl2uY

— Matt Holbrook Golf (@MattHolbrook86) September 11, 2021

Overall, I think if you are planning to come down to the area and looking for a good golf course to test any player, regardless of handicap, then I strongly recommend giving China Fleet a look. A great course with an abundance of variety, in superb condition and some stunning views. It really won’t disappoint.

Overall Rating - 8

Course (Conditions) - 8

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 9

Course (Green Condition) - 9

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 7

Club Facilities & 19th/Clubhouse - 8

Practice Facilities - 9

Friendliness/Hospitality - 9

Pace of Play - 9

Value for Money - 9

China Fleet Country Club Resort Review