Maylands Golf and Country Club

We played this course yesterday and it is a well designed and mature one. The 9th (long par 3) and the 18th (challenging par 4) can destroy either your first 9 or the back 9 - or both!
It is not cheap, but, as it is within the M25, is not unreasonably priced.
The only possible fault is that, although the fairways were OK and there were no puddles to be seen anywhere, every tee area for visitors and members in 'general play' was from mats, despite the 'whites' and the 'ladies' being played off the genuine article ie grass.
Also, several members were using buggies, so the conditions can't have been too bad! This, to me, seems incongrous and also a bit silly, as it takes the edge off a very good outing having to use mats if playing off the normal tees wouldn't have caused any damage. This does not seem to be a 'one off' occurance, as, on my last 2 visits tee shots have had to be off mats.
Maylands used to be a members only course with long waiting lists to join but now has vacancies for membership, allows 'pay and play', and encourages societies. Unfortunately, some of the members do not appreciate that this subsidises their membership fees and helps maintain their facilities and they are not exactly friendly. Thankfully, they are outnumbered by the good guys.
Overall though, a very good course and look out for 'offers' that includes bacon rolls and lunch, as the food is good.

To start off, I am not a member and have only been playing the game for a short time.
I have played this course many times within the last two years. i have seen a great improvement with the tees and greens. They are both well maintained now. Think my only problem would be there isnt a par 5 on the front nine.
The clubhouse has greatly improved and now everything has been updated.
To other people who have the problem with the M25 being right beside "one" hole, get real!! I bet them people who play that hole and "cock" it up blame the traffic.
Would say to every golfer to try this course out at least once and see what you think.

I Have been a member of this course for just over a year now and the course has improved dramaticaly , the greens are very challenging but are in excellent condition the fairways are excellent and the practice facilities are brilliant , A massive putting green at least 80ft long and even a practice hole.
My handicap has dropped frp, 25 to 12 in a matter of a year and im only 15 so imagine what it could do for yours , a must play course

Condition of the course excellent,with excellent greens. They do not however go out of their way to welcome visitors.
I dont think I would be in a hurry to return.

Found the course very average and lacking in the value for money department. With 35 pounds on a weekday you would expect a course better looked after. The noise from the M25 also definitely interfered on a few holes. Good course for a mid handicaper though with mature trees lining most fairways. Quality of the greens was above average.

This course is very nice i played a practice round about 1 month ago and i thought i have to join this course :)..... so i did.
The greens are the best greens i have ever played on.The clubhouse has been refurbished and is lovely. staff are nice as well. This is a must play and join course!!!!.........

Overall, I was fairly impressed with the course. Not that long in yardage but a lot of the par 4s still required two good hits. 4th and 7th both excellent dog-legs due to maturity of tree-lined fairways. 18th a tough finish with pond in front of green. In fact most holes were reasonably memorable due to undulations, trees or bunkering. Greens, although possibly a tad firm, where in excellent condition,
On negative side Maylands appears to have aspirations of grandeur not befitting a course in Romford, imbetween the M25 and the A12. Visitors have a separate car-park and scruffy purple tee-box areas as opposed to members who play off the normal yellows. Why? What are you scared of? If visitos to Woburn or Walton Heath can play off normal tees what's the problem at Maylands?
Because of above didn't visit clubhouse, went to local pub instead.

Took a small society there in early April and were quite impressed. Reception and treatment were fine, course nice and clubhouse very good. M25 a bit intrusive at some points in the course but overall very good.

After reading the comments below I have to conclude that Maylands has turned the corner. (apart from the bloke who played 9 holes in a blistering 2.5 hours and thinks that's OK. What did he expect from the members!!?)
Good rolling parkland terrain, a couse that fits that terrain and now in decent condition. Well placed bunkers and a simple uncluttered design style. Best holes: 2,8,10,18.
The clubhouse is one of the finest anywhere. A wonderful, elegant building and an amazing interior. I've traveled all over the world playing golf and this clubhouse is uniquely English.

I played this course with a society on the 2/5/03.
Firstly the reception we recieved was non existent, the bisciuts we were offered with our coffee you would'nt give to your dog. The lunch left us feeling totally ripped off. There were no shower facilities as they were being refurbed but they neglected to inform us when booking. Athough after some of us moaned to the boss we were allowed to use the ladies changing rooms.
The course was kind of ok but have played a lot better for a lot less money.
We will not be returning here.

Played here in November 2001, Staff miserable, had people on our backs till the 8th, they then cut over to the 14th and made it clear they moaning about us to other members, OK we are not the best players in the world but still did the front 9 in 2 and a half hours. We were made to feel totally unwelcome, i would rather give up the game than play here again. Cray Valley is better than this!

Played here in November 2001, Staff miserable, had people on our backs till the 8th, they then cut over to the 14th and made it clear they moaning about us to other members, OK we are not the best players in the world but still did the front 9 in 2 and a half hours. We were made to feel totally unwelcome, i would rather give up the game than play here again. Cray Valley is better than this!

I played Maylands with a society at the end of July and the majority of the players found the course easy from the society tees. I found the course enjoyable to play but the staff lacking in hospitality and generally miserable. The overwhelming feeling was one of not being made welcome (we have your money, but please leave soon)!!
The changing facilities and restaurant need modernising or at the least re-decorating. The restaurant is more like a cafe with table cloths!
I will return to play the course again at some time but would like to made more welcome.

This could be a good site except it isnt well maintained and kids from the neighbouring school steal the flags from the green, making it unplayable.

This course could without doubt be one of the best in the county. Unfortunatly the proprieter hasn't got a danny on how to maintain the course. His green staff are at best general handy men who seem to spend all day clearing out ditches and making wooden benches. The greens are long and bouncy, the fairways are cut once a week, the tees are dreadful. With out the care and attention of someone who knows how to run a golf club properly this once great club will be lost forever. EX MEMBER
Green fees: don't bother!!!!

This course is interesting and well designed but maintained poorly, obviously with a minimum of financial outlay.Greens putt well but do not accept well struck shots,particularly in summer months.Tees are inconsistent, whilst the fairways are not cut short enough for better players.The 1920's clubhouse has great beauty and potential but appears neglected.Changing facilities are inadequate and outdated whilst the restaurant and bar appear to be operated at the convenience of the staff,and without genuine hospitality.This club could be the best in the area as the membership is varied and sound.Perhaps a new owner with different ideas is needed!!

Undulating, well designed but let down by not being the best land to build a golf course on. Although 60 years old it has the feel of a much newer course, with staked trees and wide open holes. In fairly good condition for the time of year.