Luffenham Heath Golf Club Review

A 10 minute drive from the A1, South, Luffenham Heath plays host to one of the UK's finest inland heathland courses - Luffenham Heath Golf Club. 

The course was opened in 1911 with a celebrity match between James Braid and Harry Vardon, both eventual winners of a combined 11 Open titles and was witnessed by 1,000 spectators. 

Braid loved the course and setting so much, he returned between the two world wars to advise on some changes to the layout.

During the Second World War, the club gave up 60 acres of land to help with food demand, but come 1946, a re-arrange of the 9th and 10th holes, along with a new 11th and 12th holes, meant the course returned to an 18 hole layout, even stronger than ever and it still boasts the same layout today. 

Dr Martin Hawtree carried out a overview of the course in 2003 when all 70 original bunkers were renovated and a few more added to come in line with the more modern equipment and players. 

As well as hosting a large number of regional and UK wide events, Luffenham Heath has also played host to Regional Open Qualifying since 2013. 

Pre-Round Thoughts

Having sat on my 'must play' list for some time, I was super excited to get going at Luffenham. After checking in at the professional shop, where we were pointed in the direction of the well equipped driving range, short game area and putting green - which sits between the clubhouse and the 18th green - also in full sight of the opening hole. 

Front 9 Overview

Following a fairly gentle opening hole, the challenge really ramps up on the par 4 second, a long dogleg from left to right with the fairway falling away towards the green. The bunker on the left hand side is a great starting point with a small fade, but a good shot that stays straight will land in some tree trouble down the left, likewise anything over cut will kick even further right with the lay of the land. A well protected green severely slopes from left to right meaning a two-putt is not guaranteed!

A real sense of the elevation changes throughout the course are prominent on the third and fourth holes. 

The third moves up the hill from right to left and whilst the fourth is fairly straight, the fairway runs out before a big drop down towards the green - with some stunning scenery to boot. 

The first par 5 greets you at the sixth hole. From a fantastic set of elevated tees, longer hitters will fancy a go at taking on the corner as the hole moves from right to left, with some well positioned bunkers on the right hand side ready to capture anything too far that side. 

Avoiding the two greenside bunkers and the steep but short bank of the green on the left hand side of the green is a must if you want to set yourself up with a chance for a birdie (or even the elusive eagle!).

The seventh is another fantastic hole, as another steep bank leads you up to the green perched on top of the hill. Any approach shot coming up short here will make it way a long way back down, while anything long of the pin will leave you a devilish putt down the slope. Also another great spot to stop and take in the beauty of the surroundings. 

Back 9 Overview

The start to the back nine is fairly tough, with two of the three hardest holes between 10 and 13. 

The 13th in particular is a brutal 470 yard par 4 - by far the longest par 4 on the course. 

Moving from right to left, it will take two or three very well struck shots to find the putting surface on a hole that is well protected by the treelined fairway. 

The 14th and 15th, however, feel like they give up a good scoring chance as much shorter par 4s The 14th in particular requires a possibly shorter club off the tee for position into a green that is well protected, and is also partially covered by the tall trees on the right hand side. 

The finish at Luffenham is one of sheer quality and enjoyment. 

The par 3 17th plays at 200 yards from the card, but the severe drop from tee to green may mean it plays a club or two less. A tough green to find, that slopes from left to right, the three bunkers right and one left may also come into play, as well as a selection of (I assume) old grassy bunkers short of the green. A tee shot that requires full concentration. 

A mammoth 550 yard par 5 to finish as you play down back towards the beautiful clubhouse, lumps, bumps and mounds aplenty as you navigate your way down to a well guarded green, protected by more tricky bunkers, the approach to the green slopes to the left hand side, so feeding one onto the surface isn't an easy feat.  Any birdies on this closing hole will leave a sweet taste in your mouth, regardless of the overall score and is a fitting end to a fantastic golf course. 

Post-Round Thoughts

Luffenham Heath provides superb rolling fairways, mixed with elevation changes and expertly placed bunkering. A great choice of tee options means it can play anything from 6,592 yards to 5,046 yards offering up a stern test for golfers of all ages and abilities. 

The greens were superb and the bunkers consistent throughout and whilst we have been having an incredibly dry spell, the course still played fantastically well - albeit a little fiery in places.

Verdict

Luffenham Heath delivered on everything I thought it would and more. Stunning layout, picturesque scenery and a great test of golf. I can easily see why this course rates as a Golfshake Highly Recommended course and can't wait to pay it another visit as soon as chance arises. 

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 10

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10

Course (Green Condition) - 10

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 9

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 8

Practice Facilities - 9

Friendliness/Hospitality - 9

Pace of Play - 9

Value For Money - 8