Longhirst Hall - Dawson Course Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook

Based just outside Morpeth in Northumberland, Longhirst Hall boasts two superb championships courses. The Lakes and The Dawson - the latter of which will feature on the 2016 EuroPro Tour.

A relatively new venue, built in 1997, both courses offer a different test and have matured very well amidst the Northumberland countryside.

Pre-round Thoughts

We were greeted with a very warm welcome in the well stocked pro shop before we went off and had a spot of lunch. The food is adequate and reasonably priced and was nice to eat looking out onto the golf course. I must point out the staff are very friendly and the black pudding comes recommended!

The practice facilities are spot on. Excellent range. Superb short game area including chipping and putting greens. Exactly what any new visitor or member would need!

The Dawson Course

Par 3s

The Dawson only owns three par threes with the stand-out being the 16th.

Playing just shy of 200 yards uphill, and more often than not into a head wind, the big long bunker running in front of the green is there to capture anything short, so club selection is vital if you want to beat the trap.

Par 4s

Some long and some short par fours means scoring can be done.

The 4th and 5th (SI3 and 1) however can potentially make or break your round before it has even begun. Both tight fairways. 399 and 385 yards respectively with OOB right on the 4th and water feature right on the 5th means trouble on both from the tee.

A real quirky couple of holes as the 4th off the tee also brings a water hazard in the middle of the fairway into play whilst the 5th leaves a long shot into a island green (if you find the fairway!)

The 13th & 14th are another two great holes - 13th needs good club selection as water will be in range for bigger hitters and the 14th offer some stunning views as you play down the hill.

Par 5s

I felt the par fives could be got at for the longer hitters out there. I would imagine when the EuroPro returns those guys will look to keep it steady but really look at the par fives as good scoring opportunities.

A personal favourite was the 9th. Playing 488 from the yellows doesn't seem like it could pose that much of a threat but the water can play its part on the left from the tee and then again from both side meaning only the brave would have a crack in two!

Post round thoughts

The course is in great condition - as you would expect - with the fairways and greens in a really good shape given the winter they have been through.

I can imagine close to big tournaments the rough could be left and could pose a real threat for anything missing a fairway.

One of the things that really stood out for me was that it felt like the greens were small. I really like this on a golf course as it means you have to be pin point with your approach shots. Playing to a low handicap would be no mean feat.

Verdict/Round Up

I really liked the Dawson Course at Longhirst. A good tight test but fairly forgiving if you're not the straightest from the tee with attackable par fives gives the members and visitors alike a enjoyable round of golf on a course that will be in top condition all year round.

If you are in the area give it a visit!