The Society revisits two our favourite courses in Cheshire..
In June we visit Cheshire, England’s finest County according to our Secretary. Sandiway dates back to 1920, when Ted Ray, the 1912 Open Champion, was given the task of designing a brand new layout. Ray made fantastic use of the contours of the land and in 1925 Harry Colt made further improvements before Fred Hawtree relocated three holes in 1955 to form the course that’s in play today. Sandiway is a delightful wooded, heathland course and it’s quite rightly regarded as one of the best inland courses in the north of England. Measuring 6,400 yards from the back tees, with a par of just 70 and rather small greens this is a challenging round for everyone. It may well be the prettiest course you will play all year.
Our previous visit to the beautiful wooded heathland of Delamere Forest was back in 2016. Designed by Herbert Fowler in 1910, the course is laid out over a gently undulating sandy ground and is consistently recognized as one of the Top 100 courses in Great Britain & Ireland. There is a great deal of variety in hole lengths and character, and every type of shot is called for. In 2012 renowned architects Mackenzie & Ebert began a bunker renovation programme which has only elevated the stature of this wonderful layout. Built on sand, Delamere is always playable whatever time of year you visit.