Course of the Week – Hayling
Journey to Hampshire's south coast for one of the country's oldest and most traditional links, Hayling Island. Open and welcoming to visitors, this is a lesser-known track that ought to be on your "must play" list.
Set above shingle beaches with views out across the Solent, the land at Hayling is perfect for golf and rarely waterlogged. It poses a considerable challenge when the breeze is up and as such it?s a frequent venue for county competitions.
Course lowdown: The par 3s are the key at Hayling. There are four of them and all demand precise tee-shots. As with all links, the wind is a factor and it?s crucial to take more club than you think. The greens are quick and tend to be even more so through the summer months. They?re not overly undulating but have some very subtle breaks.
The 12th, with the wind generally left-to-right and into your face, is a challenging hole. It measures 444 yards and requires a drive of at least 250 if you are to have a reasonable chance on the approach. The 11th, best par 3, at 157 yards plays straight out to sea. With the wind against it, it?s not uncommon to see the members reaching for a wood.
Stats: par 71, SSS 71, 6,531 yards
Green fees: £47wd round, £60wd day, £62we round, £80we day
Location: Links Lane, Hayling Island, Hampshire PO11 0BX www.streetmap.co.uk
History: Founded in 1883, it?s one of the oldest clubs in England. Back in the early days it?s said the course used to measure over 7,000 yards.
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T: 02392 464446
W: www.haylinggolf.co.uk