The Golf Course
1st & 10th Hole
A gentle start requiring a fairway wood or iron to place your shot avoiding the tree lines left and right. A well struck shot will only require a short pitch to the green. Beware though, the green is speedy from front to back so a delicate approach will be required in Summer conditions.
2nd and 11th Hole
The par 4 second is an all-uphill hole, where a solid drive is required to leave a mid to short iron shot to an undulating green. If the pin is positioned on the back tier you may need an extra club to avoid a tricky putt.
3rd & 12th Hole
A tricky Par 3 from both tee positions where you need to negotiate the valley for the first time. From the back tee a good medium to long iron is required, while two clubs less will get you to the green from the front tee.
4th & 13th Hole
The par 5 fourth requires a straight, solid drive across the valley. Anything too far left or right will leave you in trouble. This hole rewards the longer hitter, where a mid-iron shot opportunity to the sunken green awaits.
5th & 14th Hole
The Par 3 fifth is trickier than it looks, requiring an accurate mid-iron shot favouring the left. Anything short and right of centre will inevitably end up with a tricky pitch as the fairway slopes right towards the valley. Anything too long and right will end up in the hedgerow.
6th and 15th Hole
The par four sixth requires a straight drive back over the valley to a raised fairway. A good strike will only leave a short iron or pitch to the double-tiered green. Find the right level and a good birdie opportunity awaits.
7th and 16th Hole
The right-hand dogleg par 4 seventh can present a real challenge if your drive is offline. The shorter hitter should favour the left side of the fairway, where a medium to short iron will see you home. The longer hitter may opt to aim further right, clearing the large oak and rough to leave a short pitch into a long, undulating green.
8th & 14th Hole
The par 4 eighth requires a solid drive avoiding the fairway tree about 220 yards out. If you manage to hit past it, you are rewarded with a simple short iron to a two-tiered green, where care must be taken to avoid a three-putt.
9th and 18th Hole
This closing par 4 is trickier than it looks. Anything right off the tee and you will face a difficult second and probably a recovery shot. Too far left and you will have a line of smaller trees to negotiate. A good straight strike will still leave a mid-iron to get home.
Early November sunset
A picture taken in early November from the back of the 1st green towards the 2nd tee and Gregory's Wood beyond.
Clubhouse
Inspiration & choice in Alton Hampshire
Alton Golf are thrilled to be involved with Alton Hampshire in order to help businesses, organisations, clubs and attractions in and around Alton support one another.