Is Newcastle United Golf Club Difficult? A Guide to the Course
For golfers looking to play a round in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle United Golf Club is a popular choice. But a question often arises, especially for first-time visitors: is the course a tough test, or is it a more relaxed and forgiving round? The answer is that the club offers a genuine challenge, particularly in certain conditions, making it a firm favourite for those who enjoy a strategic game.
A Formidable Moorland Challenge
Newcastle United Golf Club is best described as a traditional moorland course. This type of layout is famous for being exposed to the elements, and this course is no exception. It is not overly long, stretching to around 6,600 yards from the back tees, but its defence lies in its natural features and a few key design elements.
- Tall Rough: The course is well-known for its tall, thick rough. An errant shot off the fairway can quickly get lost, making accuracy with your driver and long irons essential.
- Undulating Greens: The greens are not flat. They feature subtle and sometimes severe undulations that can make putting a true test. Two-putting is often a good result, and a three-putt is always a possibility if you’re not careful.
- Long Par Fours and Fives: The scorecard shows several long par fours and fives that require two strong shots to reach the green. Playing into the prevailing wind can add significant length, making the course a far tougher proposition than its yardage suggests.
Key Holes and Course Highlights
The club’s own website describes the course as a “stern test” and a “proving ground for champions.” Some of the more notable holes that contribute to its difficulty include:
- The 8th Hole (The Long Haul): Rated as the hardest hole on the course (Stroke Index 1), this long par 4 often plays into a headwind and requires two well-struck shots to reach the two-tier green.
- The 18th Hole (Homeward Bound): This is a strong finishing par 4 that requires caution, as out-of-bounds runs along the entire left side. It’s a hole that can easily ruin a good scorecard.
Is it a Beginner’s Course?
While the course’s overall difficulty means it may not be the ideal choice for a complete beginner, it is still a welcoming club for visitors. Golfers with a mid-to-high handicap will find it to be an excellent test of their skills, especially in windy conditions. The course is a great place to improve your long game and test your ability to think your way around a tough layout.
Conclusion
So, is Newcastle United Golf Club difficult? Yes, it is. The course’s long par 4s, tall rough, and undulating greens make it a significant challenge, particularly in the summer months. It is not a course to take lightly. However, its classic moorland design and rich history make it a highly rewarding and respected course for those who enjoy a proper test of their golfing ability.