Feature Review: Sierra Golf Club

Sierra Golf Club [www.sierragolf.pl/en/] lies 40 minutes north west of Gdansk. Flowing over mostly level terrain and surrounded by dense forest, this is a beautifully maintained and elegant course. There are extensive facilities and the British Pro adds a certainly ‘homely’ feel as you are well looked after before your round.

The course starts gently, with three par fours leading out towards the forest. The 3rd, a tough dogleg par four has a horseshoe bunker wrapping almost entirely around the green. Fairways are smooth, greens are big and the bunkering is not deep or tricky, but this is no place to go wild. Holes are well separated and the rough – and forest – is deep.

The 147 metre par three 4th is where the course really kicks off. A tee shot to a raised green with bunkers all around and water to the right makes you realise that the gentle start is over: from now on smart course management is required. The forest hugs your left for this and the 5th and 6th holes, before you cross the small road that leads to the resort’s fully furnished apartments.

The 7th hole is a dogleg left, measuring 411 metres (white tees). It curves around these compact apartment blocks and is a worthy Index 1, with a demanding drive but a far more testing approach: the putting surface is hidden and a tree sits perched on a bank just short of the green.

It is also from the 7th that the course settles into its most enjoyable rhythm. The landscape starts to find shape, matching the rolling fields around you, and while the only rises are to be found on the par five 10th and short but dangerous closing hole, there is more sway to the holes. It adds to the interest as you play between the trees and tall, wispy grasses.

The back nine is also where you’ll have the most fun, where water appears on six holes, and where the variety tests your game: the 10th doglegs right, uphill; the 11th curves right but needs good placement off the tee to make the most of your approach shot; and the same can be said of the 13th and 14th, two more par fours curling right.

The four par threes deserve a special mention. They are strong holes (indices, 7, 17, 10 and 2) with good variety in length and challenges. The 16th is the pick of the bunch: at 177 metres it is practically all carry over the course’s biggest lake. Favour the right, where you can avoid the water, and play the Index 2 sensibly.

It is difficult to pick a signature hole. The 16th perhaps, or the 7th, or maybe it’s the closing hole. The 18th is a short par four that drops to a stream before it doglegs hard left and up. There’s no trouble off the tee, apart from the stream, but the green is high above you for the approach shot. It’s a strong way to finish.

The clubhouse is new and modern, but carries an old fashioned air. Around the bar it almost feels like a cigar room with green leather chairs and dark oak. It is spacious, too and an easy place to relax before or after your round.

Green settings are well presented. Big and accessible… but surprisingly deceptive.  To sum up the course is elegant without being taxing… generous without being easy.

For more information visit: www.sierragolf.pl/en/

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