Ladbrook Park Golf Club Ltd

12th June, 2014 REVIEW OF LADBROOK PARK G.C. Dear Sirs, Our Society played here on June 5th. In fairness to the course this was not a fair test, because the previous day had seen hours of very heavy rain and everything was drenched. Indeed, we were told that it was touch and go whether the course would be open. As it was many of the fairways were soggy (our buggy almost bogged down a couple of times), there were many drops from casual water, and the ball seldom ran very far. So, bearing all that in mind, what was it like? Well it’s obviously of good quality, perhaps even a bit ‘up-market’, (certainly the surrounding houses are!), and is maintained to a very good standard. It’s a pleasant parkland course, and fairly easy walking (for those who can) with just a few minor hills. Even allowing for all the aforementioned rain the greens were firm, dry, and true, and apart from two or three which were in the shade they were mostly fairly quick. Couldn’t really comment on the bunkers since many of them were like swimming pools, but by a miracle I managed to avoid them anyway. One of the big features of this course is water, (which is intended to be there). There are several very pretty lakes and ponds, but these are so far off line that they don’t trouble any but the most wayward shot. What does give a problem is that there are several ditches inter-connecting these lakes, and some of these are nastily positioned just where a ball will land or roll into. Thus it makes you think whether to go for it or lay up short and safe. Another feature is the rough. Apart from the outer reaches there seemed to be very little real ‘jungly’ stuff, but the first-cut, just off the fairways, wasn’t to my liking. On my own course this is just below the height of the ball, so that you can at least see it. Here it was really lush stuff and seemed to be cut to just above the height of the ball, so that you could walk within a few feet and not see it. Besides making the shot difficult, which is just hard luck, it added to the search time and caused hold-ups. I suggest lowering the cutter blades a bit. I can’t remember any holes which I thought to be outstanding golf challenges, but there were two or three which I remember as being very pretty, in particular the 17th, where, in a secluded corner, a longish bridge takes you across a tranquil lake with a waterfall as a backdrop. The clubhouse is very modern, with all the usual facilities, and the catering was very good, with the staff asking if everything was to your satisfaction, etc. Overall verdict? Above average, and certainly worth a visit. Be interesting to play it when it’s not waterlogged, and when you could judge the ditches better. I’d be happy enough to play it again. Yours faithfully John Stephens, Stourbridge

I am a member of Ladbrook Park and would query the reviewer who describes the course as "links style" and with four par fives since Ladbrook is parkland with three par fives in a testing par 71. The welcome is always friendly, the club's approach progressive with a brilliant junior section and the course has improved immeasurably in the last 10 years through a comprehensive drainage and bunker improvement program. Typically golfers should look to build their score on the first 11 holes by avoiding the winding brook which runs through the course and taking advantage of straightforward par fives. Thereafter it is a case of holding on to what you've got with anumber of excellent and varied par fours. Fairways are tightly cut and greens have been getting better year on year. It is a pleasure to be a member and also to bring guests along as they invariable enjoy the challenge and the catering it fantastic value.

This is on our 'A' list of places to visit on our County cards. It ia part of the Birmingham majic courses tour that the rest of the country seem to know little about. The course is meticulously maintained. We forgot [or rather GW forgot] to ask if there was manintenance and the greens were slightly spiked and dressed. Not as bad as some places who render their courses unplayable during August of all months but no real problem. The Ladbrook Park breakfast at £4 is worth going for on its own!!!

Good testing 'links' style course. Quite a few doglegs & some very tempting par 3's. There are 4 par 5's in total with some of them reachable in 2 & others which will test even the long hitter to reach in 3 due to the shape of the holes. Quite a lot of water around this course although most of it doesn't come into play. Excellent practice facilites althought the putting area could be a bit bigger. Fantastic modern club house, well worth the visit

'bonne de douche' I played it, I joined. What a fun course. The small matter of golf after you have enjoyed the good food and aptmosphere of the clubhouse is unforgetable. The first 10 holes offer everybody a fair and relaxing game of golf. the back 8 offer potential nightmares. The course is not long but accuracy is needed to stay in the tree lined fairways. I hope that my golf game will age as gracefully as the course.