Fulford Heath Golf Club Ltd

Sixteen of us have just played here and enjoyed the experience. We commenced with a full English breakfast which was very pleasant and at the exact time we had prebooked. A prompt start from the 1st at 1030 took us in to several relatively easy holes surrounded by mature and pretty woodland. There are a number of quite tricky holes to follow particularly par 3's where clubbing is key to success and quite a bit of water in addition. Our top two players on the day achieved 40 and 37 points respectively off 12 and 13 handicaps so quite possible to score well on our first visits here. However, it is not long at 5900 yards but it is tricky and the driver by no means always the best option if you mean to stay in play. The greens were reasonably quick, the bunkers had an adequate level of sand and the course was nicely presented. We enjoyed the experience and were looked after very well by a friendly and helpful staff.

I was a member of Fulford for several years (before I left for work reasons) and always enjoyed the course as it was always in very good condition. It was long enough for me (19 h,cap) but I played it again recently and they have lengthend 4 holes with new teeing areas and wow it's awesome. Greenstaff deserve applause for the condition of the greens whch are the best I have played on this winter out of around 15 different courses. Clubhouse and changing facilities are more than adequate and the staff very welcoming. Only 1 small criticism (very small) the practise range is not long enough to hit a wood on

BUNGS members got a shock when the society visited Fulford Heath at the end of May. The weather we enjoyed was so good that all were subjected to the sight of my knees! Donning my shorts (for increased comfort only) for the afternoon 18 holes did not however have the desired effect on my game. I found this course to be very expensive, losing more balls than I care to remember on a course where tight fairways, heavy rough, mature trees and water in abundance took no pity on the slice (not present during my previous round) that I had hauled around the M42 that morning! Easy to find, and very accessible (allowing for traffic jams – but that’s another story) given it’s proximity to the motorway, Fulford Heath was, nonetheless, an enjoyable, if very demanding, course, with a variety of holes presenting challenges to all present. A course of the Parkland variety, and without too much contour (but enough to make it interesting), Fulford Heath GC was laid down in 1933 and wears its maturity well. Not long (5959yds off Yellow Tees), it has many holes where the “thinking” golfer will profit, having narrow fairways combined with doglegs to contend with. After “warming up” on the straight 1st, the 2nd (314yds, par 4, S.I.10) is the first of the doglegs. Those trying to cut the corner (or Slicers like me) can fall foul of the first of the lakes here. As with most of the holes, this is lined with trees of varying maturity, and if your ball lands even just off the fairway it will nestle down into rough (which on our visit was 2-3 inches deep) and makes your next shot “interesting.” The 5th (127yds, Par 3, S.I.18) is the shortest hole on the course, but has a narrow green guarded by 4 bunkers, so anything off target is likely to mean your Sand Iron is your next club. Hole 7 (379yds, Par 4, S.I.8) proved interesting on both our rounds of the day. A left to right dogleg, your first shot is into the angle of the dogleg. On our morning round, one of my partners played what appeared to be an almost perfect drive (with cut) around this corner, and we were all confident his ball would lie in the middle of the fairway, ready for his 2nd shot to the plateau green up the hill. Despite searching for the allowed 5 minutes we were all left scratching our heads as no ball could be found! Similar tales of woe accompanied all three of us when we played the same hole in the afternoon. The 10th (Par 5, S.I.9) starts back near the clubhouse and rises all the way to the green 532yds ahead. The “river” cuts across the fairway at around driving distance, leaving a 2nd shot uphill toward the flag. The plateau green is, however, tucked around the corner of the trees to the left, guarded front left and right by bunkers. The 12th (324 yds, Par 4, S.I.3) was my most expensive hole of the day: a wicked left to right dogleg around a lake which consumed 4 (yes FOUR!) of my ball stock! Why at least one of them didn’t hit a member of the large flock of Geese here and stay dry I’ll never know! (As I said, it was a frustrating day.) The Geese are a common feature here, along with many other birds. Coming off the par 3 11th we were delighted to see a Heron striding through the “river” looking for its tea! The 16th, although only S.I.15, is a great hole, and deservedly the signature hole on the course. At 155yds it is not long, yet all of this is an intimidating carry over water, with a steep rise off the pond to a raised green. Club it correctly, ignoring the water, and it is fairly straightforward. Anything under-clubbed will have your ball doing the Dambusters two-step! To end the round, the18th (504yds, Par 5, S.I.13) is a fine finishing hole. Another, though gentler, left to right dogleg, it has a sloping green with misleading borrows. Indeed, this is a common feature: there are no “simple” greens here, as all are fast (and immaculately manicured) and not easy to read. Being fairly new, the clubhouse “complex” fulfils all the requirements of the tired golfer: Changing rooms are generously sized (with great showers), the Bar offers a good selection of liquid refreshment, and the kitchens serve well prepared provender. Be in no doubt – this is a fine course, requiring straight hitting, correct club selection and good course management. Much practice required before I return here then! Date of visit: April 2004 Report supplied by Graham Adams on behalf of the Barton under Needwood Golf Society

fulford is simply a dream. always found in immaculate condition, it really does provide an enjoyable round of golf. it provides a true variety of holes, with the par 3 16th being what some would call the signature hole. a superb uphill hole, with a long carry over the lake. facilities are also top notch. a real gem of a course this one, i love it

Having played 99% of the courses around this area,i must put Fulford at the top of the tree.There are no better greens around. A true members club with credit due to the green staff.The course might look a bit short on paper but does kick you in the teeth on many holes.All the best! Karl Rooke h'cap 8

This course is one of the best in the area with fantastic fast and tricky greens which, to an extent, protect the relatively short course. You have to build your score on the first 8 holes as the next 10, starting with the long 9th are much tougher. Signature hole is the Par 3 16th with long carry over water and scrub. Watch out for the greens on 9 and 18, greens which always make that final putt a challenge.