Reviews

MY FAVOURITE COURSES

Reddish Vale – Cheshire

I finally got to play one of the final few top ranked Cheshire courses last month during our Captain’s Away Day. Reddish Vale Golf Club is a hidden gem for any Dr. Alister Mackenzie enthusiast. The course beautifully showcases the design genius of Mackenzie, blending challenge with natural beauty. The first five holes are a thrilling adventure, requiring you to navigate a ravine that adds both strategy and excitement to your game. I would suggest you take a conservative approach to keep your score intact.

The experience takes an even more dramatic turn as you reach the 6th hole a 230-yard par 3 that drops significantly in elevation. My rangefinder measured it at 208 yards with the slope adjustment, underscoring just how steep the descent is, a 100 foot drop I am led to believe.

Reddish Vale Golf Club is packed with strong, memorable holes, none more challenging than the 13th. It is reputed to be one of the hardest holes in Cheshire, and rightfully so. This hole demands precision and strategy, with its tough layout and natural obstacles that test even the most seasoned golfers. A classic Mackenzie hole.

Jumping back to hole 4 at a delightful par 3 that embodies both charm and challenge. The green is nestled dangerously close to the out-of-bounds on the left side, adding a layer of tension to your tee shot. The need for precision here cannot be overstated any slight miscalculation could easily result in a penalty. In many ways, it bears a resemblance to the old 7th hole at Hoylake before it was redesigned. The subtle pressure of the out-of-bounds, combined with the natural beauty of the setting, makes the 5th hole a standout experience on the course.
So many standout holes, and the challenges presented by the 8th, 11th, 13th, and 15th holes are particularly enjoyable and memorable. Each of these holes offers its own unique test, demanding strategic play and a good mix of shot-making skills. These holes reflect the course’s thoughtful design, offering variety and a continuous challenge that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The combination of natural terrain and clever architecture makes the course a rewarding experience for any golfer.

The 15th hole is especially intriguing a sweeping dogleg par 5 that curves right to left. It is a design that might give you a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of some of the great dogleg par 5’s seen on other Mackenzie classic courses. This hole requires careful navigation, with the need to shape your shots to follow the natural curve of the fairway. It is the kind of hole where power alone will not get you far; you need precision and a clear strategy to set up a good scoring opportunity. It reminds me somewhat shorter version of the 13th at Augusta without the stream in front of the green.

A lot has been said about the final hole, and it lives up to the hype in surprising ways. I recently discovered that it shares the same elevation change as the 18th at Augusta National. However, what sets it apart is that the steep elevation shift occurs within the last 150 yards, creating a dramatic finish. This makes for a thrilling conclusion to the round, requiring not just skill but also stamina and nerve as you approach the green.

Reddish Vale is not just a course; it is an adventure through Mackenzie’s architectural brilliance, with each hole offering its own unique challenge and character. I often feel courses like this are Grade 1 pieces of land and you can see why world-renowned course architects make a pilgrimage to pay homage of a bygone era of course design.

Delamere GC August 2024