So I am starting to write this latest instalment not long after coming off the course whilst things are fresh in the memory, having played 9 holes on Stonebridge for the first time and played any holes for the first time in over 10 years. The body is feeling it a little with the legs being a little tired and the shoulders and top of my back know they have had a workout (particularly as it was ‘carry-on’ on course and no trollies, and I found I have no shoulder strap on my bag!), but it has been worth it.
Having summoned up the confidence get on course (see my previous article to see why I had been having doubts), first step was to book a tee time. Admittedly I was looking for 9 holes, during a relatively quiet day and then a tee-time with a bit of a gap either side of me. Initial plans date-wise in my mind had been put back a couple of times due to work and then the recent rains, but I was determined to get this small step ticked off before Christmas.
The booking process online with my membership is simple and efficient. It allows me to book in advance and select a time of my choosing (subject to availability) hence I could see what was before and after me. There is obviously a chance that tee times either side of me could get booked up closer to the time (as was the case as it turned out that a two-ball pairing followed me out), but by and large you get the ideal tee time with a bit of space around you, particularly during winter.
So I’m booked. Clubs ready, bag ready (or so I thought), we’re ready to go.
Start the day as you mean to go on
With a bit of time to kill, the clubhouse is my initial port of call. I have been meaning to try the new Stonebridge winter menu for a while so a coffee and bacon bagel hits the spot whilst I take care of a couple of minor work commitments remotely). Yes, I was tempted by the Stonebridge Breakfast (which is very popular and for good reason), but that can wait for another time.
Getting my range and into the swing of things
It would be wrong of me to go out onto the course without some sort of warm-up, so thinking ahead I booked to go on the Stonebridge Driving Range
Again, booking online is easy and simple and at the time of day I was planning on being on there you can pick and choose your bay. In fact you can pretty much roll up and grab a basket of balls and hit out without booking, although it is advisable and especially if you have plans to visit for the evening or at weekends. And £6.50 for 75 balls as part of their Early Starter offer (Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 11:00 am) is a good incentive. Trackman looks interesting and will be worth exploring another time..
From there, a bit of time on the putting green to get a measure of how that area of my game may stack up and in sync, and we’re almost ready.
Teeing off
So time to tee off and a bit of nervous anticipation I have to admit. Even though I was playing on my own and there was no one within 200 yards of me even the wildest of glimpses.
And it has started to rain too. Not what I was envisaging but perhaps should of expected it.
First shot….it found the fairway slightly to the left. I’m quietly pleased. Particularly as it didn’t find trees or rough, or worse still water to the right. Barring my tee shot on the par 3 8th, it was probably my best tee shot of the afternoon and gave me some early confidence.
How it went
So I went round the Somers 9 in 58. Those of you who are members or play Stonebridge regularly can perhaps tell me if that’s good or bad or whatever. I thought it went ok, and especially as it’s the first time I’ve played that 9 and the first time I’ve been on a course anywhere in over 10 years, maybe longer.
A couple of highlights were decent approach shots on the 3rd and 6th which I was chuffed with. And I was a literally two inches away from bagging a par on the par 3 8th.
Tee shots were a bit mixed shall we say. The long par 5s were, for a better phrase, a challenge and I did find water on the 9th coming back to the clubhouse.
From that you might gather that my short approach game was perhaps better than my long game and you would be right. So there’s still a lot of work to be done and improvements to be made (isn’t there always though!?) but I’m not trying not to be too critical of myself and as it’s my first run at this.
Overall the course played well and especially considering the recent wet weather. I feared the worst with that light rain typically arriving just as I was about to tee off and start my 9, but thankfully it was only short lived and weather conditions got better as the round progressed. The glimpses of winter sun that did burst through really highlight the beauty of the course and the surrounding parkland which was another reason for doing this.
And I’m thankful for the two-ball behind me who kindly picked up my umbrella which I somehow managed to lose between the 5th and 6th holes (I think). Thank you gents if you are reading this.
So what next?
To give it another go, and soon.
A bit more practice beforehand with the woods and shots off the tee is definitely a must and to keep things ticking over. Once I’m ready (and I won’t be leaving it too long), perhaps another bash at 9 on the Somers or trying the Blythe or Hampton for size.
In myself I know I’m not ready to embark on a full 18 yet but that will come.
Now, where can I find a shoulder strap for my bag?
The Landlocked Traveller 