Bentley Golf Club

I have been playing The Bentley as a visitor for 30 years and don't think I've seen the course in better condition. The greens, this week, all looked immaculate and played very true indeed. Water features which have looked scruffy in the past have all had a lot of work on them, with edges neatly and sharply defined, with new fountains adding a touch of class and the water looks far cleaner than it used to. As other contributors have noted, this is a course that you have to plan your shots carefully and don't automatically reach for the driver on the longer holes. A yardage chart is not usually required for shots into the green as every hole has 150 yard markers, plus other mid-fairway markers on most of the longer holes. But, it would be useful to know just how far that ditch or other hazard in front of you is from the tee - the course planner on the club's own website reveals all. The shape of the course is excellent and is not at all difficult to walk with only slight undulations. Plenty of trees and bushes though to punish the wayward shots on this well established course, although we did notice that an entire copse next to the 7th tee has mysteriously and needlessly disappeared ! If you would like to play a fine example of an Essex course there aren't many better than this one. Highly recommended. One dress warning though, if wearing shorts, short socks are permitted, but they must be white.

great course some holes are challenging i eapecially liked the 12th. This is an excellent golfing hole. Thought it was great value for money, members and staff were all very friendly and the golf course was in immaculate condition. I would recomemed it to golfers of all standards.

Seems like an awful long time since comments
upgraded!Bentley is now owned by the members.
The course is always in superb condition,and despite very dry summer this year,has remained so.
All changing rooms have been completely refurbished,showers replaced,etc.If you have the chance to play it,don't miss out!It's not a monster,but it's no pitch and putt either!
Member of 22 years!!!

I am a member here and i'm very pleased i chose this course rather then any of the other courses round here. It is a well designed course which is long, narrow and a test for any pro. Every hole is in need of a good tee-shot because if you don't you'll leave yourself in trouble and end up with a bogie at the best. The 10th is a good example of this because you need a dead straight tee-shot to be in good position. The only let down of the course is the clubhouse. The course sold most of it's clubhouse to make it into a nice chinese restaurant. I'll give a tip, go in there after your round of golf because the food is great. Due to this sell the clubhouse is very small and not a very good venue for society's. Many pro's have played this challenging course and many pro's have leaved with dissapointment. The record stays at 68 and there will need to be a good pro to visit here to beat that record. Give this course a go and i'm sure you'll love it !!

I played this course today 28.3.03.
The course is in MAGNIFICENT condition. Fairways are fantastic and the greens are excellent. They are as good as Chart Hills and that is a compliment indeed. The whole place is very well manicured.
Believe me you need to have your wits about you here. This course proves that you don't need to have knee deep rough.
This is a real test. If you are in the area give yourself a treat.

It is a great course to play at a low price of £20. I am a member there andi love it. It offrs a challenge instead of easy, wide and short courses. The 13th offers a hard tee shot where the driver is needed to clear a large pond. The 16this a hard hole, which is a dogleg from left to right. It is long and hard to get on in two. If you are ever in the area please try it out. You will love it !

A nice, mature parkland course. Remember to bring your brain for some of the tee shots, particuarly for the tenth. Very narrow at the landing area, so play it as it is.... a par 5. Put the big stick back in the bag! Sixteenth is a good hole, with OOB all up the right, a pond in front of the green and no bail-out area left. Ditches everywhere, so check the course guide. Pity about the changing facilities, with frankly stank of piss. (not joking)