Stoneham is a beautiful heathland course set just off the M3 north of Southampton. The mix of score-wrecking heather, narrow tree-lined fairways and roller coaster greens makes this course a challenge for even the low handicapper.
With five par 5s and five par 3s, there are places where a score can be made, but miss a hole in the wrong area at your peril. The heather guarding the fairways is deep at the best of times, and finding your ball is the easy bit. This is a course where good course management will be rewarded as wayward shots or aggressive play will cost you.
The par 5 14th hole is just one of many great holes. Measuring 485 yards, you are required to drive down into a valley and onto a fairway which narrows considerably at about 260 yards before rising up to a fiercely-sloping green protected by a large gully running up the right hand side of the fairway. Stoneham is a great test of golf, but also a tough walk, in particular the par 5 18th, which climbs back up to the clubhouse set at the highest point of the course. Good job there?s a refreshing pint waiting for you at the top.
Best Hole: The par 5 14th is a make-or-break hole ? if you?re after a respectable score don?t even think about going right.
Green Fees: £35 per round, £40 per day
Location: Monk's Wood Close, Bassett, Southampton SO16 3TT
Tel: 023 8076 9272
Web: www.stonehamgolfclub.org.uk
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