http://www.windermeregolfclub.net

* Clubhouse with large balconies with magnificent views over the course
Excellent catering services from full meals to sandwiches and snacks (served daily 9.00 to 9.00 and Sunday 9.00 to 6.00)
* PGA Professionals / Lessons
* Buggies should be pre booked through the Professional Shop if required.

This is a delightful course set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery you could wish for. Although there is no view of the lake, the highest point of the course affords a magnificent panorama of the surrounding hills and valleys. The club is over 100 years old (founded 1891) and was presumably built to accommodate the golfing interests of the then burgeoning Victorian tourist industry. The clubhouse is spacious and pleasant with a tangible air of gentility from a bygone era, but without any of the stuffiness that is sometimes to be found in its peer group of older established clubs. All of the staff gave my three playing partners and me a very warm welcome. We played on a Saturday morning at the height of the season and had no problem booking. At £37 a round it's not cheap golf, but, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The course is very well laid out, if a little on the short side, and was in absolutely perfect condition when we played at the end of August. Inevitably on a course which is uphill and down-dale, there are a few somewhat frustrating blind shots and it would have been useful to have played twice using the first round to get one's bearings. An investment of £3 in a course planner was money very well spent!! In terms of playing ability, there is a bit for everyone here, although rank beginners would struggle with some of the holes and very low handicappers would find some of the shortish par 4s no callenge at all. Nevertheless, my 11 handicapper son was so impressed by the variety of the lay-out, he said that he would find it difficult to get bored with playing here and would be happy to be a member were it not for the fact that we live in Chelmsford! We were lucky to have a pleasant, calm day; I would imagine that, when the wind is blowing down the valleys and the rain is lashing down, Windermere would be an altogether different test of golf. A great little course; play it if you can.

Mike Duval September 15, 2006