Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Sean_A on January 23, 2017, 09:44:02 PM

Title: Glorious GOSWICK: 2023-24 Winter Tour
Post by: Sean_A on January 23, 2017, 09:44:02 PM
The links at Goswick lie just south of Berwick upon Tweed.  The Scottish border is a mere few miles to the north.  One can guess that Berwick upon Tweed changed hands on many occasions during the four hundred years of border wars between Scotland and England. 1482 was the last time England took possession of the town and this remains the case to this day. When the Act of Union between England and Scotland was put into place in 1707 it effectively ended the dispute.  Though, there will always be cranks in any neighbourhood as Christine Grahame MSP clearly demonstrates. 

The club is approached by a serpentine road off the A1.  There is no sign a course is in the neighbourhood until the clubhouse and links suddenly appear after rounding a sharpish bend.  The hamlet of Goswick consists of maybe 15 dwellings and is hard on Goswick Sands which connects with The Holy Island of Lindesfarne (usually shortened to Holy Island) via the Holy Island Causeway.  For a population of approximately 200 persons the island does have its share of landmarks which help create an air of expectation when visiting...and visiting is well worth while. 

The evolution of Goswick is not materially different from that of dozens of links.  Many an architect has had a turn at Goswick, the names include the original designer, T Dunn, who in 1889 chose the land and designed holes extending to the present 12-14. Not five years later a cadre of members with the help of one R Collins were responsible for extending the course northward to create 18 holes.  In the following ten years both Willie Fernie and Willie Park made their mark. The advent of the Haskell pushed the club to engage James Braid in 1930 to perform extensive work to the links; as many as 13 holes were altered in one way or another.  In 1963 the unheralded Frank Pennink was called in to have his say concerning the front nine.  The club greenkeeper, George Thompson continued improving the course from 1966 to finally arrive at the 6800 yard beauty which exists at present.  Despite the many hands involved at Goswick, the links feels like a united design and for that we can thank the intelligent use of the terrain and the outstanding quality of the turf.  George Thompson is due more than a passing mention for not succumbing to the water and feed craze of the 80s and 90s.  The sense of cohesion is also due to the links being evenly divided by the house; nine holes to the north and nine to the south.  The quality of the often sporting terrain too is evenly split which results in each half having about the same number of the best holes. 

I feel compelled to devote a few paragraphs to Frank Pennink before moving on.  Rather like Donald Steel, Pennink was a man of many talents where golf is concerned.  He earned a blue at Oxford while playing for the side between 1933 and 1935; captaining the team in his final year.  After taking up a position with an insurance company (sound familiar?) Frank won the English Amateur in 1937 and 1938. Because of these wins and others he was selected for the 1938 Walker Cup Matches held at St Andrews; incidentally a team which beat the Americans for the first time.  As was the case with many sportsmen, WWII robbed Pennink of prime competitive years. Spending the war years as an RAF Squadron Leader, it is doubtful there was much time to dream about what could have been on the links.

Turning to journalism after the war, Frank covered golf for the Daily Mail and Sunday Express.  His writing led to the development of a unique voice about courses which resulted in the publication of Homes of Sport: Golf in 1952 and The Golfer’s Companion in 1962.  It was clear that his keen eye for the places of golf would be of great benefit in the design aspect of the game and thus Frank joined the architectural firm of Ken Cotton and Charles Lawrie where he worked on many courses throughout the UK and Europe.  It shouldn’t be forgotten that Pennink also served the game through his work with the English Golf Union, of which he was president in 1967 and Walker Cup selector. 

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1872/43220050715_d7ab0425bb_o.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1872/43220050715_d7ab0425bb_o.jpg)

The competition scorecard.  Yardages, what yardages?  Notice Local Rule 3!  The card is also perforated to remove the marker's score. 
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48774346356_1cc1eb1cee_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48774346356_1cc1eb1cee_b.jpg)

For all the wonderful aspects of links golf which Goswick gives us, the first is an odd duck.  First off, it plays to the east.  With internal OOB hard right, a fairway working around a copse and a green which is set at an awkward angle, perfection is not the word which comes to mind when describing the hole.  For all that, this hole, like the other 17, belong to the Goswick genealogy so it can't be bad. Looking toward the tee.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51972372017_0d916bd048_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51972372017_0d916bd048_b.jpg)

Nobody could question the fantastic variety of terrain and conception of Goswick's short holes. A medium length par three, the second plays over a deep hollow to a somewhat large green. 
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973940815_b0dc7a7b33_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973940815_b0dc7a7b33_b.jpg)

I think this is what the hole looked like in 1903  after Willie Park Jr made some changes.  It was then the 10th, following the what is currently the 17th.  The tee would have been just above the current ladies 18th tee, making for a much more adventurous hole than exists today.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48774099403_52c4cd6191_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48774099403_52c4cd6191_b.jpg)

Looking toward the tee.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53609937616_9f7f7e2c9f_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53609937616_9f7f7e2c9f_b.jpg)

The tee shots for three and four are a similar challenge being leggers to the right. #3
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1856/30258794218_e3e0d450a1_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1856/30258794218_e3e0d450a1_b.jpg)

The movement from the right surrounding the bunker is superb.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610273814_6e0df8ea2c_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610273814_6e0df8ea2c_b.jpg)

The 4th plays somewhat similar to the third in that the hole tumbles down from the dunes.  The green is a very severe target to receive long iron/wood play.  In the winter of 2023-24 the green was made a bit wider as it was thought there weren't enough hole locations. Below is the previous green.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973448508_c8891f3881_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973448508_c8891f3881_b.jpg)

(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715361328_ea1e859d2c_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715361328_ea1e859d2c_b.jpg)

One gains a better look at the tight green from near the 5th tee.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1863/43408041744_5f06260422_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1863/43408041744_5f06260422_b.jpg)

More to follow.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-4
Post by: Jon Wiggett on January 24, 2017, 03:44:50 AM
Sean,


Goswick was a real eye opener for though I had played it before that was over 35 years ago and I had all but forgotten what it was like. You are correct about the first and it is a bit odd that with so much great land available the area around the clubhouse is quite cramped. 1,9 and 18 are all rather an awkward compromise. I did think that with the exception of the 5th the greens on the front nine were very reminiscent of Brora.


I loved the course and will certainly be back again.


Jon
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-4
Post by: Sean_A on January 24, 2017, 05:57:09 AM
Jon

Yes, terrain around the house is flat.  Plus the footpath, road, and internal OOB aren't great ingredients for the best of golf.  Still, there is a certain charm to this section of the property because of all the people milling about.

Goswick Tour Cont

Pennicks Way presumably has something to do with the man, but the provenance of the hole is immaterial...its a goodun' no matter who deserves credit.  This two-shotter works its way left despite the terrain leaning right.  Many drives will finish down the right which is good because while a longer approach, there is the opportunity to kick a shot in from some distance.  Left of the green is an attractive cut-away and to the right are deep bunkers.  To the rear and right is an old shieling (the name for the 3rd), an abandoned fishermen's hut used when these hardy fellows had to remain close to their work. 
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715860817_ac9f008037_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715860817_ac9f008037_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1816/30258793958_dd4f69b77e_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1816/30258793958_dd4f69b77e_b.jpg)

Behind the green.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715865922_0459322729_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715865922_0459322729_b.jpg)

The 6th is the final hole playing north until we reach the 14th!  OOB looms down the entire length of the billowing fairway.  The drive is made more daunting because the landing zone is blind.  After playing the hole I took a look at the card; this wee three-shotter is a mere 426 yards!  I was a decent wedge short of the green in two.  Interestingly, the length of approach is about the same in the summer with the tee some 100 yards further back. 
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715696021_cd8c25dc9a_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715696021_cd8c25dc9a_b.jpg)

As part of a plan to reconfigure #1 and remove the 9th from the routing, the 6th green would become the tee for a new par 3 playing toward 7 tee. As of the winter of 2023-24, the club may be re-thinking this idea because the 6th greensite is so good.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610392330_7ac3b148ff_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610392330_7ac3b148ff_b.jpg)

More to follow.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-6
Post by: Mike Sweeney on January 24, 2017, 06:51:26 AM
Sean,


I really do love your post. Thanks for your continued efforts.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-6
Post by: Sean_A on January 24, 2017, 04:06:00 PM
Cheers Sweeney.

Goswick Tour Cont

We now begin a run of holes heading south which takes us all the way to #14.  The 7th is an excellent hole running along a dune line to the right.  A lone bunker left off the tee is more than enough to give pause to those hoping to gain maximum advantage with the driver.  Bunkers harry the approach as well. I believe that is J Cowden striding confidently up the fairway.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715860582_00be503ee4_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715860582_00be503ee4_b.jpg) 

The 8th is awkward looking from the tee, but there is more room right despite the looming gorse. The green is set below the fairway beyond undulating terrain.  One of my favourite Goswick views.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53609937591_655511b64c_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53609937591_655511b64c_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973940170_9bce801866_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973940170_9bce801866_b.jpg)

The side finishes with an unremarkable par 3, which does have the advantage of using the OOB.  Langwhang must be Scottish for long and straight, but this term doesn't do justice to the 10th.  Rarely have I encountered a flat 383 yard hole which went on so long! 

I am quite fond of courses which showcase unusual or well used features, be they man-made or natural. Goswick happens to be packed with such personality and the 11th is a case in point.  We already had the lovely movement from the right on #3, the gouge to the left of #5 green, well used OOB on #6, but these examples did not prepare me for the eleventh.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1859/30258793398_f97240bfd1_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1859/30258793398_f97240bfd1_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1871/30258793228_82e1ed50a7_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1871/30258793228_82e1ed50a7_b.jpg)

More lovely terrain for the approach.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1888/44126811011_8ced45ae32_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1888/44126811011_8ced45ae32_b.jpg)

More to follow.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-11
Post by: Sean_A on January 25, 2017, 08:48:01 AM
Goswick our Cont

Still heading south, Pilgrim's Way is aptly named because the 12th does feel like a journey even if only for 317 yards.  From the tee I couldn't visualize the hole, but after seeing how the fairway bowls out it is a very risky play to bang driver.   
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715360898_3014c46d08_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715360898_3014c46d08_b.jpg)

This view is from the dune on the left where it seems many golfers find impenetrable rough even in winter.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1897/43220051305_39248ea6b8_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1897/43220051305_39248ea6b8_b.jpg)

I believe this is what Braid designed!
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3857/32921164743_67f7fd3d21_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3857/32921164743_67f7fd3d21_b.jpg) 

With tees stacked along seaward side of Goswick's dominant dune ridge, the 13th is straight-forward, but all the more pleasing for it.  The front bunker will see its fair share of play when the hole plays downwind.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715690266_ec1e80f8cd_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715690266_ec1e80f8cd_b.jpg)

More to follow.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-13
Post by: Sean_A on January 26, 2017, 05:20:22 AM
Goswick Tour Cont.

We now make the run for home with an isolated hole in the shadow of the main dune ridge.  The terrain feeds off the dune to a low point then rises once again on the left of the fairway.  Bunkers too are well placed to keep the big tee ball in check. 
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973447903_136a595aec_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51973447903_136a595aec_b.jpg)

A view of the hole from the 13th tee.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715865627_599c74553f_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715865627_599c74553f_b.jpg)

The runaway half-pipe green necessitates the use of the ground if one hopes to get close to a forward hole location.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715695866_26295aedd3_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715695866_26295aedd3_b.jpg)

Looking back to the tee.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/30258792848_13b8da81e8_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/30258792848_13b8da81e8_b.jpg)

Bide-a-we is aptly named because this is a hole many will not mind a bit if loitering occurs.  Views of Holy Island and the vast beach command one's attention.  The hole too is very good if much easier than it appears.  The 108 yard drop shot feeds into a horse shoe green.  So long as the wind isn't up par isn't an onerous task.  A view of the green from the right, play is from the left.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715525138_7f98663c79_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715525138_7f98663c79_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1899/30258792698_874b46d347_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1899/30258792698_874b46d347_b.jpg)

Behind the green.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610392285_b921d3c97a_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53610392285_b921d3c97a_b.jpg)

More to follow.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues 1-16
Post by: Sean_A on January 28, 2017, 05:24:32 AM
Goswick Tour Cont.

Lets skip 16 in favour of 17 where a string of bunkers awaits at a goodly driving range.  However, it is the last surprising feature of the day which impresses most. The powers that  be thought it best to leave a footpath directly in front of the green.  The golfer must cope with this unconventional design element if the hole is forward...which it was on this day.  The interested eye will notice a standing stone just left off the green.  These stones, which are presumably footpath markers, used to spread in front of the green....sounds good to me!
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1877/43220051005_4f19c7643d_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1877/43220051005_4f19c7643d_b.jpg)

The 18th will strike many as an extremely heavily fortified 200 yard par 3.  If we turn around, the daily tee is back on the ridge making the hole play as a short two-shotter.  Its a bit of a messy hole from here and not worth the long walk back.
(https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715865412_d61d455fae_b.jpg) (https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48715865412_d61d455fae_b.jpg)

The forward tee is more like it.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1839/30258792328_aa9eb76c6f_b.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1839/30258792328_aa9eb76c6f_b.jpg)

Goswick is very impressive and with each successive visit I like it more.  My main take away is the remarkable variety created by an out and back design centred around a spine of dunes.  My only apprehension is when the club decided to eliminate the Winter Card. Even more variety was on offer and if a club has space to create more options it should be done.  2024 

Ran's Review.
http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/england/goswick-golf-club/ (http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/england/goswick-golf-club/)

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Thomas Dai on January 28, 2017, 06:11:16 AM
Sean,
Thank you for this photo-tour. Goswick is certainly somewhere I'd like to play one day. We really are pretty fortunate in GB&I in having so many fine courses that fly under the usual radar and yet provide interest and challenge.
Atb
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Jon Wiggett on January 28, 2017, 06:30:16 AM
Another good tour Sean. Like you, I really liked Goswick and will certainly be returning in the future to play the summer course.


Jon
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Mark Pearce on January 29, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
I was really pleased that people liked Goswick.  I've long thought that if it were a few miles further North and could claim to be in East Lothian it would get far more attention.  I like the first and second much more than you, Sean.  The first is hard as nails in a westerly or south westerly wind.  I don't really think the OOB is in play but it is hard to make yourself hit the ball far enough right to give a shot at what is a really tricky green to hit with a long iron or even a wood.


2, like 13 and 15 is a far better hole with some wind.  Played down wind it is very tricky to get anywhere near a front half pin.  I'm not a fan of 9, though.  For me it's comfortably the least interesting hole on the course.  I think 3-8 (from the summer tees), 10-12, 14, 15 and 17 are all better than just good holes.  18 is far better as a short par 4.


If people are interested in seeing the summer course, then I'd be delighted to get bak there later in the year.  It's only an hour drive from home and I probably get there on average less than once a year.  That has to change!
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Sean_A on February 02, 2017, 04:25:55 AM
Mark

The first isn't bad considering the awful interior OOB and that one can't get a good angle to the green  8)

Like you, 9 doesn't thrill me, but at least the OOB is used well.  In essence, its the area around the house which is Goswick's biggest weakness.

Goswick is a keeper.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Jon Wiggett on February 02, 2017, 12:49:23 PM
I was looking at the first after the round and if the tee were 30 yards to the left it would still leave the hole as a slight dogleg but would remove the need for the OOB which would improve the hole no end. Yes the 9th would need to be redesigned but if the tee were placed behind the eighth green on the raised ledge there is there it could then be played across the low dip to a green to the right of the present green. Were the club not bothered by a crossing of the first and ninth you could even play to the area where the present first tee is.


It is odd that with so much suitable land and there must be room for another half dozen 18 hole courses at least, that the course is so cramped around the clubhouse. Still, I suppose when it was built this was not an issue.


Jon
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Sean_A on February 06, 2017, 06:50:23 PM
Jon

These days I can't imagine a club redesigning a hole to cross-over a hole or play over a green. 

I do wonder if it was possible to build the 9th more toward the start of the 1st fairway (a shorter par than now) with the first hole moved a bit left.  The OOB could also eliminated by making 18 a par 3. I think I would prefer this to having a short 4 and OOB.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Richard Fisher on February 07, 2017, 09:34:33 AM
In answer to Jon, and  this may well have been raised before on another thread, the course did actually extend further south at one point, and I think that 18 holes are now laid out on the same ground that once housed 15 or 16 holes (not quite sure which). I have always assumed this was the reason for the cramped layout around the house, which (to agree with most posters) is the one blot on an otherwise splendid links, whether in summer or winter.

As you say, another half dozen courses (at least) could be built on the highly tempting duneland between Goswick and the Tweed estuary!
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Tony_Muldoon on February 07, 2017, 01:49:35 PM
Fine tour of another great Golf Course.  Just to add I liked the hard as nails 1st and the second far more than you did. The second has half the surface blind with a huge hole in front. Its also at the highest point of thee course and having to cope with wind would add considerable interest.


The scores in "my" group for these two were 7,7,4 and 4,4,2.  Very interesting.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Jon Wiggett on February 07, 2017, 02:00:58 PM
In answer to Jon, and  this may well have been raised before on another thread, the course did actually extend further south at one point, and I think that 18 holes are now laid out on the same ground that once housed 15 or 16 holes (not quite sure which). I have always assumed this was the reason for the cramped layout around the house, which (to agree with most posters) is the one blot on an otherwise splendid links, whether in summer or winter.

As you say, another half dozen courses (at least) could be built on the highly tempting duneland between Goswick and the Tweed estuary!


Thanks for the answer Richard, I was not aware of that. Do you happen to know why the course was reduced in size?


Jon
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Marty Bonnar on February 07, 2017, 02:21:47 PM
Are there still signs about the Bombing Range and UXB's?
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Richard Fisher on February 07, 2017, 04:55:32 PM
Jon
Sorry - no I don't, but in the clubhouse there is (or certainly was) a course plan showing the holes to the south, which from memory seem to be the other side of a burn or brook. I don't know the date of the loss either: one common reason many seaside courses have lost land, whether temporarily or permanently, has been for military requirements, but I have no sense whether that applied to Goswick. Apologies.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Jon Wiggett on February 07, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
No problem Richard and I had hoped but certainly did not expect you might know. Perhaps taking Marty's question on board you are on the right track with military use although I would have thought it no reason to abandon the holes as the possibility of being shelled, dive bombed or encountering an UEB only adds to the sporting challenging ;D  Seems like H&S gone mad to me :o


Jon
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Sean_A on February 13, 2017, 04:42:22 AM
I do think some changes were made due to "WWII".  What they were, I don't know.  There have also been some changes in my lifetime. For instance, the 12th green used to sit not far beyond the hollow (which was sandy and had a sleepered face)...the green ran sharply away from play. I think some time in the late 60s/early 70s the green was moved to its present position.


Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK Winter Course: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Thomas Dai on February 13, 2017, 12:15:52 PM
Bombing range(s) - with a little googling -

http://www.northumberland-beaches.co.uk/goswick-sands.htm (http://www.northumberland-beaches.co.uk/goswick-sands.htm)
&
http://northeasthistorytour.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/goswick-sands-nu085445.html (http://northeasthistorytour.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/goswick-sands-nu085445.html)

GoogleEarth shows several long sections of concrete square blocks in places along the spine of the dunes to the south, east and to the north of the golf course. Several pill boxes seem to be visible as well. Typical WW2 measures. The Observation Tower shown in the photos in the above websites seems to be located within the now campsite area about half-mile south of the course.

There was also a (James Braid) course on nearby Holy Island that was requisitioned by the RAF during WW2 - http://www.golfsmissinglinks.co.uk/index.php/england/north-east/northumberland/320-holy-island-golf-club-northumberland (http://www.golfsmissinglinks.co.uk/index.php/england/north-east/northumberland/320-holy-island-golf-club-northumberland) - looks from GoogleEarth to be cracking golfing duneland.

atb
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK: 2016-17 Winter Tour Continues
Post by: Sean_A on September 11, 2019, 05:33:51 AM
All

After a successful Buda, I believe Goswick has a few more fans.  See the dramatically updated tour. 

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Peter Pallotta on September 11, 2019, 11:37:58 AM
Thanks as always, Sean, for this vicarious pleasure.
Goswick looks to be ideal for me, particularly in this sense: i.e. that it has some of the ruggedness and wildness of the more rugged/wild courses you've profiled, and yet also has some of the 'definition' and 'clarity' of the more gently straightforward English inland courses you've profiled, all in what seems a perfect balance for a first/one time average golfer who, like me, finds shot-making made more difficult when I don't know/am not comfortable where to hit it or what I'm seeing.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Jason Topp on September 11, 2019, 12:45:30 PM
Fabulous tour!  I think I missed this the first time around.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Mark Pearce on September 11, 2019, 02:45:12 PM
The secretary mentioned that they are looking at changing the course to address the cramped area around the clubhouse.  There are no clear plans yet, and they are considering appointing an architect but they have in mind removing the existing 9th, moving the 1st tee and adding a new par 3 on the land North of the 6th green/7th tee.  It will be interesting to see what, if anything, they decide to do.


I was delighted that the Pests seemed to like Goswick as much as they did.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Ulrich Mayring on September 11, 2019, 06:38:52 PM
I totally underestimated the course from reading about it versus playing it. I thought it would be a competent links course, but didn't expect such a smooth and elegant flow of holes. The routing is superb, it changes directions often enough to provide great variability - who wants to play five holes in a row into a 3 club wind? I hit a lot of different clubs and, despite occasionally playing poorly, spent little time wading through hay. I think in our foursomes match Mike Malone and I finished on the first ball.

While I'm sure not many would lament seeing the 9th hole go, I'm not sure what "cramped space around the clubhouse" entails. The first hole is superb, don't change it. The 18th is a great match decider and matches that end earlier can easily forego it. The 10th hole starts right at the clubhouse - nothing wrong with that!

Perhaps a little more quirk here or there - akin to #12, #13 and #15 - would be nice. Bring in a world-class golf architect and I'm sure the members could get a world class golf course, if that is their ambition. Leave it well enough alone and it's still pretty damn good.

Ulrich
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Jason Topp on September 11, 2019, 10:58:47 PM
The secretary mentioned that they are looking at changing the course to address the cramped area around the clubhouse.  There are no clear plans yet, and they are considering appointing an architect but they have in mind removing the existing 9th, moving the 1st tee and adding a new par 3 on the land North of the 6th green/7th tee.  It will be interesting to see what, if anything, they decide to do.


I was delighted that the Pests seemed to like Goswick as much as they did.


It was a fabulous venue Mark.  Thanks to you and the club for sharing it.  We were lucky to experience two different winds on the two days we played and it worked well both days.


I would be more inclined to change the 18th than the 9th.  9 is on boring ground but struck me as a solid golf hole.


18 was fine on Friday into a heavy wind but on Sunday it seemed like a choice between a layup and a random crapshoot at the green.  The finishers at St. Andrews and N. Berwick present interesting strategic decisions.   I did not decipher such subtlety at Goswick. 
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Sean_A on September 12, 2019, 03:11:49 AM
I am not keen on a long walk from 8 to 10 should the 9th be removed. I wonder if the club thought to reduce the length of the 9th? The practice area to the right would then become less troublesome and therefore the trees could be removed. Of, course, it may be possible to redesign the practice area which would make the current 9th work.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: John Mayhugh on September 12, 2019, 09:07:31 AM
I totally underestimated the course from reading about it versus playing it. I thought it would be a competent links course, but didn't expect such a smooth and elegant flow of holes. The routing is superb, it changes directions often enough to provide great variability - who wants to play five holes in a row into a 3 club wind? I hit a lot of different clubs and, despite occasionally playing poorly, spent little time wading through hay. I think in our foursomes match Mike Malone and I finished on the first ball.

While I'm sure not many would lament seeing the 9th hole go, I'm not sure what "cramped space around the clubhouse" entails. The first hole is superb, don't change it. The 18th is a great match decider and matches that end earlier can easily forego it. The 10th hole starts right at the clubhouse - nothing wrong with that!

Perhaps a little more quirk here or there - akin to #12, #13 and #15 - would be nice. Bring in a world-class golf architect and I'm sure the members could get a world class golf course, if that is their ambition. Leave it well enough alone and it's still pretty damn good.

Ulrich

I agree with Ulrich.  The course exceeded my expectations based on photos and reading.


I don't really mind the "cramped" area where 9/1/10 intersect. There's an opportunity to practice a bit of courtesy there, and doubt there are many problems.

I'm not sold on the 18th. Probably better as a par 3, but I'm sure there is reluctance to have a par 3 finishing hole. As a par 4, traffic is an issue. The hole is so short that people on the 18th tee are waiting until the green is clear, but by that time a trailing group is probably on the 17th green that you have to hit over.

Love the look of the 12th from Braid's day.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Mark Pearce on September 12, 2019, 03:22:12 PM
ON Sunday, as we waited to play our tee shots to 18, members playing the 1st pointed out that golfers on 18 green are asked, by a sign, to stand aside and let the group behind play their tee shots, then start putting.  I suspect that would ease flow issues significantly.  They need a bigger sign!
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: John Mayhugh on September 12, 2019, 04:00:55 PM
ON Sunday, as we waited to play our tee shots to 18, members playing the 1st pointed out that golfers on 18 green are asked, by a sign, to stand aside and let the group behind play their tee shots, then start putting.  I suspect that would ease flow issues significantly.  They need a bigger sign!

I tend to notice signs, but failed to see that one.
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Sean_A on September 12, 2019, 05:55:10 PM
18?  A long walk back to the tee to be left with a less than compelling tee shot?  It doesn't do much for me...and a sign in no way excuses the mediocre architecture.  Its a pitiful way to finish Goswick, but thats life.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Mark Pearce on September 13, 2019, 02:50:23 PM
18?  A long walk back to the tee to be left with a less than compelling tee shot?  It doesn't do much for me...and a sign in no way excuses the mediocre architecture.  Its a pitiful way to finish Goswick, but thats life.

Ciao
The walk is a pain.  The hole isn't a bad hole at all. 
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Sean_A on September 14, 2019, 04:23:35 AM
18?  A long walk back to the tee to be left with a less than compelling tee shot?  It doesn't do much for me...and a sign in no way excuses the mediocre architecture.  Its a pitiful way to finish Goswick, but thats life.

Ciao
The walk is a pain.  The hole isn't a bad hole at all.

Not bad at all is not nearly enough praise to justify the walk. It's not a great par 3 either. The bunkering doesn't seem to make sense nor does it fit with the remainder of the course. For mine, this is Goswick's weakest hole.

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Niall C on September 14, 2019, 08:40:06 AM
18?  A long walk back to the tee to be left with a less than compelling tee shot?  It doesn't do much for me...and a sign in no way excuses the mediocre architecture.  Its a pitiful way to finish Goswick, but thats life.

Ciao


I don't know if it's that great a finishing hole as a short par 4 but I'd bet it was once a long par 3 with the tee further down the slope and probably a better hole for that.


Niall
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Ulrich Mayring on September 14, 2019, 06:49:05 PM
I suspect Goswick is a match play club. Thus you'll either finish your match on the 17th and then don't bother walking up the hill to the 18th tee. Or the match is still on in which case the 18th is a better match decider than a long par 4, where almost everyone needs three shots to reach the green.

Ulrich
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK
Post by: Sean_A on September 16, 2019, 05:38:46 AM
18?  A long walk back to the tee to be left with a less than compelling tee shot?  It doesn't do much for me...and a sign in no way excuses the mediocre architecture.  Its a pitiful way to finish Goswick, but thats life.

Ciao

I don't know if it's that great a finishing hole as a short par 4 but I'd bet it was once a long par 3 with the tee further down the slope and probably a better hole for that.

Niall

Niall

You could be right.  It does seem like the bunkers are designed for par 3 and 4 play.  I wonder if the OOB shouldn't be better used and more of a legger left around the 17th created?  Mind you, to me it makes sense to create a good par 3 from around the ladies tees. 

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK: 2023-24 Winter Tour
Post by: Sean_A on March 25, 2024, 08:00:46 AM
I stopped by Goswick for a game last week. We had cold, but glorious weather. The subject of the 6th green came up  :D . It would seem the club is thinking of retaining that green and finding another solution for the new par 3 to be built. This is good news!

Previous Stops on the 2023-24 Winter Tour

Cleeve Hill
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html)

Huntercombe
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,32228.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,32228.0.html)

Minehead
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72699.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72699.0.html)

Westward Ho!
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html

Notts
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33988.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33988.0.html)

Planned 2023-24 Winter Tour Stops

North Berwick
Kilspindie
Renaissance

Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK: 2023-24 Winter Tour
Post by: Mark Pearce on March 25, 2024, 11:49:47 AM
I stopped by Goswick for a game last week. We had cold, but glorious weather. The subject of the 6th green came up  :D . It would seem the club is thinking of retaining that green and finding another solution for the new par 3 to be built. This is good news!

Previous Stops on the 2023-24 Winter Tour

Cleeve Hill
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html)

Huntercombe
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,32228.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,32228.0.html)

Minehead
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72699.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72699.0.html)

Westward Ho!
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html)

Notts
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33988.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33988.0.html)

Planned 2023-24 Winter Tour Stops

North Berwick
Kilspindie
Renaissance

Ciao
Did you play the remodelled 4th green, or was it still on a temporary green?
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK: 2023-24 Winter Tour
Post by: Sean_A on March 26, 2024, 02:56:10 AM
I stopped by Goswick for a game last week. We had cold, but glorious weather. The subject of the 6th green came up  :D . It would seem the club is thinking of retaining that green and finding another solution for the new par 3 to be built. This is good news!

Previous Stops on the 2023-24 Winter Tour

Cleeve Hill
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49796.0.html)

Huntercombe
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,32228.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,32228.0.html)

Minehead
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72699.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72699.0.html)

Westward Ho!
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,66480.0.html)

Notts
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33988.0.html (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33988.0.html)

Planned 2023-24 Winter Tour Stops

North Berwick
Kilspindie
Renaissance

Ciao
Did you play the remodelled 4th green, or was it still on a temporary green?


Played the temp. I guess folks thought there weren’t enough hole locations. I liked the old narrow green, though the new version is still narrow. I did note a nasty fall off back left on the new green.


Ciao
Title: Re: Glorious GOSWICK: 2023-24 Winter Tour
Post by: Mark Pearce on March 26, 2024, 06:17:07 AM
Yes, lack of hole locations was the reason for the change but, like you, I really liked the old 4th.  I think the new green is now in play, so will be interesting to see it when I'm next up.