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Crondon Park Golf & Country Club - Championship Course
Rating Snapshot
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| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 6829 yards | 73.4 | 133 |
| White | 72 | 6543 yards | 72.6 | 126 |
| Yellow | 72 | 6158 yards | 70.5 | 124 |
| Red (W) | 74 | 5836 yards | 74.4 | 133 |
| Red | 72 | 5836 yards | 68.6 | 127 |
| Blue | 72 | 4662 yards | 63.4 | 106 |
| Blue (W) | 72 | 4662 yards | 67.3 | 118 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 73.9/131 | 414 | 290 | 492 | 177 | 446 | 570 | 156 | 400 | 527 | 3472 | 423 | 200 | 407 | 589 | 177 | 352 | 400 | 163 | 646 | 3357 | 6829 |
| White M: 72.2/131 | 400 | 290 | 480 | 160 | 430 | 570 | 125 | 400 | 514 | 3369 | 406 | 155 | 391 | 589 | 165 | 352 | 367 | 163 | 586 | 3174 | 6543 |
| Yellow M: 70.6/127 W: 76.9/137 | 383 | 268 | 466 | 147 | 408 | 538 | 125 | 358 | 493 | 3186 | 384 | 135 | 371 | 546 | 148 | 324 | 351 | 147 | 566 | 2972 | 6158 |
| Red M: 69.0/122 W: 74.7/134 | 344 | 239 | 428 | 130 | 406 | 489 | 112 | 341 | 473 | 2962 | 361 | 129 | 355 | 521 | 131 | 300 | 351 | 134 | 543 | 2825 | 5787 |
| Blue M: 63.6/109 W: 68.1/116 | 248 | 172 | 352 | 129 | 352 | 394 | 110 | 288 | 354 | 2399 | 255 | 100 | 293 | 414 | 103 | 259 | 284 | 97 | 458 | 2263 | 4662 |
| Handicap | 5 | 15 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 17 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 16 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 10 | |||
| Par | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 37 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 35 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 5 | 13 | 11 | 15 | 1 | 7 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 12 | 18 | 4 |
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Reviews
Someone needs to manage the pace of play here.
Really looking forward to playing here as never played it.
Sadly the pace of play was the worst I've ever seen. Took 3 hours to play just over 9 holes. Walked off the course after 10 holes as just so annoying queuing at every tee box. Even joined with 2 members behind us as a 4 ball but made no difference. No one offered to let us through For the £50 green free I'd expect much better and found it odd that no one from the staff came to see what was going on and ask people to hurry along or allow people through
Certainly won't be returning and would not recommend despite the course being fairly decent.
Sad to see the condition of this once great course
I want to state that I was a Founder Member here, knew someone who helped build the course and knew the original owners quite well. So I wanted this course to be good.
Essex is not great golf country but this course used the terrain well and has a number of good challenging holes. More trees took than they expected at the build so, it has become tight is some places but no bad thing. The greens have always had plenty of borrows and are faster than most and that continues.
However the condition of this course is very poor at the moment and that is taking into account the difficult weather everywhere has experienced.
Drainage they started putting in well over a year ago runs across virtually every fairway and still is just bare sand filled channels and their are dozens and dozens of them. They are also redoing lots of bunkers at once.
One of the greens played and looked like a different height had been used for each stripe.
Been a lot of grumbling and departures by members recently as fees gone up hugely.
Play was very very slow.
Please please sort the drainage out first and maybe do one holes bunkers first before moving onto the next.
This course was the only one in Essex that could have challenged Thorndon Park to be the best but sadly going backwards fast.
Don’t play
This was the worst course I have played played this year , loads of course works going on bunkers out of play fairways so bad you have preferred lies in summer , avoid for the next year at least , cost 50 pounds , don’t pay this money to play this course , might be worth it in a year’s time but not now .
Thank you for sharing your feedback following your recent visit. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations.
As part of our long-term investment in the golf course, we are currently undertaking a full renovation of the drainage system, bunkers, and the installation of a new fairway irrigation system. These works are scheduled for completion by 15th March, and are essential to ensure the course is presented to the high standard that both our members and visitors expect in the future.
As I’m sure you are aware, the past year has seen the lowest rainfall in over 80 years, which has underlined the importance of a modern irrigation system. Any course without one has been significantly affected, and this project is designed to future-proof Crondon Park against such conditions.
We fully recognise that these extensive works can be disruptive in the short term, and we apologise that this impacted your experience on this occasion. Once the programme is complete, we are confident the course will be in excellent condition, and we do hope you will consider returning in the future to see the improvements for yourself.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Back to my old club
First time back in 12 years at this course. Well it’s changed a lot.
Where do I start? No info whatsoever regarding course work being conducted.
Diggers roaming over fairways when tour about to tee-off. Bunkers are a disgrace, not even sand in any but artificial grass.
Drainage gulley strips over every fairway at 20foot intervals.
Tee boxes with a width of 15 feet between markers.
I can go on and on.
If meme era put up with that state of a course then there bonkers.
Glad to say I won’t be back.
Thank you for sharing your feedback following your recent visit. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations.
As part of our long-term investment in the golf course, we are currently undertaking a full renovation of drainage, bunkers, and a new fairway irrigation system, all of which are due for completion by 15th March. These works are essential to ensure the course is presented to the standard that both our members and visitors expect moving forward.
As I’m sure you’re aware, the past year has seen the lowest rainfall in over 80 years, which has highlighted the importance of installing a comprehensive irrigation system. Any course without one has been significantly affected, and this project is designed to future-proof Crondon Park against such conditions.
We recognise that extensive works can be disruptive in the short term, and we apologise that this impacted your visit. Once the programme is complete, we are confident the course will be in excellent condition and we hope you might consider returning to see the improvements for yourself.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Crondon park
Course was in pretty bad shape, lots of GUR, most bunkers had all sand removed from them, big trenches filled with sand crossing all fairways. I get improvements to the course can have an impact but so much and so poorly done not really acceptable,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your recent round did not meet expectations.
We are currently undertaking a full renovation of the course, including drainage, bunker reconstruction, and the installation of a brand-new fairway irrigation system. This work is scheduled for completion by 15th March, and once finished will greatly improve both the playability and presentation of the course.
As you’ll be aware, the past year has seen the lowest rainfall levels in over 80 years, and any course without a complete irrigation system has been heavily affected. These upgrades are essential to ensure Crondon Park can deliver consistent playing conditions all year round.
We fully appreciate that the scale of this work can cause disruption in the short term, but it is a necessary investment in the long-term quality of the course. We hope you will consider returning later in the year to experience the improvements once they are complete.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Not good
Course has a good layout and I’m sure in prime condition it’s a fantastic course. But the condition was the worst I’ve ever played. I appreciate there is a lot of maintenance/ improvements going on (which they don’t warn you about) but even so, the fairways didn’t have any grass on. There were diggers driving around the fairways mid-play. They couldn’t even get the correct coloured flags out (front/middle/back pins), they were mostly wrong.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re pleased to hear you enjoyed the layout of the course, though we’re sorry to learn that your recent experience fell short of expectations.
The fairways have unfortunately been impacted by the recent lack of rain, and our greenkeeping team are doing everything possible to keep them in the best condition until we get some much-needed wet weather but that is the same as everywhere else around the county that doesn’t have fairway irrigation.
You’re correct that there is currently a significant programme of maintenance and course improvements underway. This work is an important part of enhancing the overall playing experience in the long term, though we appreciate that it can be disruptive in the short term.
We have also reviewed your comments on flag placement with the team.
We value your understanding during this period of investment and hope you’ll consider visiting again once the work is complete and the course is back to peak condition.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Only yellow tees allowed
Played Crondon Park on Sunday. They have red, yellow, white and black tee boxes. I was told I am not allowed to play the white or black and can only play from the yellows. Guy in the pro shop come out with a terrible attitude and wouldn’t give me a reason as to why I couldn’t play from the blacks. It’s over 700 yards shorter from the yellows and for £55 I would expect to be able to play the full course.
Greens were also under maintenance and was given no warning before booking or play.
Long course
Greens were in excellent condition. The was some maintenance going on. Bunkers are being completely refurbished and new sand. Some are done, some have old sand and some are GUR whilst being done. The course has had new drainage and irrigation and atm the fairways have not fully recovered. Also the fairways are very dry and bare in places due to the very dry conditions. This course is a good test, it's quite long and few hills. With the improvements done it will be very nice once the course has had some rain and the fairways fully recovered.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. At Crondon Park, we pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service, something we are delighted to say is reflected in the outstanding reviews we receive on a regular basis.
With regard to your comments about tee usage, our white and black tees are reserved exclusively for members. There are two key reasons for this policy: firstly, to help manage pace of play; and secondly, as a benefit to our members, who pay a significant annual fee for the privilege of playing from these tees. Limiting visitor access ensures these tees remain in top condition and are not overused, preserving the quality our members expect.
In relation to your comments about the greens, our maintenance schedule was clearly stated at the time of booking. On Friday 1st August, we completed essential greens maintenance, and this information was displayed during the booking process. Before confirming your tee time, you would have been required to acknowledge and agree that you had read this notification.
We also received a complaint from one of our members regarding the way you spoke to them and the language used during your visit. As a result of this behaviour, please be aware that you are not welcome back to Crondon Park.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, you may contact me directly at David@crondon.com.
Kind regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Crondon Park Golf Club
Chris Johnson
Nice course bug there was a society in front and although we complained because they were so slow nothing really changed. 5 1/2 hours for a 2 ball is ridiculous
Hello Chris,
Thank you for your review.
We’re disappointed to hear that your round was impacted by slow play. However, we would like to clarify that we did not receive any other complaints or observe delays on the course that day. Our team actively monitors pace of play, especially when societies are on the course, and we take all concerns seriously.
That said, we are sorry you did not enjoy your experience on this occasion. We strive to provide a fair and enjoyable round for all players and will continue to uphold our standards. Should you choose to return, we’re confident you’ll find a much more typical representation of Crondon Park.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
So much potential
This could be such a lovely course…. needs some fairway work. Dry and sparse in areas… needs water!!!!. Greens not very receptive. Quite a few bunkers out of play. Loved the course layout and holes are individual with no overlapping. Could be amazing.
Hello Andy,
Thank you for your feedback, we’re truly sorry to hear that your experience fell short of expectations and that you were left disappointed.
We want to assure you that significant investment has been made to improve the course’s condition and year round playability. Last year, we undertook a major £2 million construction project, which included extensive drainage, irrigation lines and new pathway works. As part of this, over 25 miles of drainage pipework was installed throughout the course, a monumental undertaking designed to future proof our playing surfaces and reduce course closures. As a result, we were able to remain open all through winter, with only one day of closure and no trolley bans. Compared to 70 days of closure in Winter 2023.
We also understand your comments regarding dry and sparse fairways. Unfortunately, we’ve recently experiences the driest spring on record, which has significantly limited grass growth, a challenge faced by nearly every course in Essex. Areas that were reseeded are struggling to establish due to the extreme weather, but our ongoing irrigation upgrades are already helping, and we expect continued improvement as conditions become more favourable.
We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the layout and individuality of the hole, and we fully agree, our course has amazing potential. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts, and we hope to welcome you back soon to see the continued progress.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Soulless
Arrived at peak time on a glorious Saturday morning to find the car park nearly empty (only 40 cars and yes I counted)
Proceeded into the clubhouse to sign up for the competition only to find that empty apart from 2 members of staff twiddling there thumbs trying to look busy.
Onto the tee
Considering the tee boxes have been in play for a few only a few weeks they are in shoddy condition
Fairways
Bone dry, with Alot of bare patches, still deep scars where drainage was done last year and need to be filled and sorted
Bunkers
Those that are not under construction should be HUR as they have no sand in them and would be better of playing off the empty car park
Greens
They were fluffy, bumpy and very slow it seems that Crondon greens take longer than any other greens I've played to recover after greens maintenance work.
Still lots of landfill in the trees leftover from the drainage works. But credit to them they have tidied up to the side of the 18th green it's only taken 2years though. So in summary
A very soulless club and on the evidence it seems the new points based membership hasn't worked as there is no evidence of a great influx of new members but very evident is a lack of old members as the empty car park and clubhouse is testament to
Ian Young
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback, while we’re sorry to hear about your experience, we do appreciate you taking the time to share your observations.
First and foremost, we apologise that the course didn’t meet the high standards we aim to uphold. As you noted, last year we undertook an extensive £2 million infrastructure project, which included over 25 miles of drainage pipework, irrigation improvements and new pathways. This was an essential investment designed to ensure long term playability and improve conditions year round.
While these works have brought substantial benefits, including remaining open for all but one day throughout the winter (compared to 70 closures the previous year) and no trolley bans, we recognise there are still areas that require attention as part of the recovery process, which these areas are being completed. Many of the bare patches you referenced are part of this ongoing restorations, and we’ve reseeded numerous areas across the fairways. Unfortunately, the driest Spring on record has severely limited grass growth, which in normal conditions would have helped those areas bounce back much more quickly.
We’re glad you acknowledged the work near the 18th, improvements like these are ongoing across the course, with limited impact on golfers playing. We are committed to making Crondon Park a truly exceptional golfing experience. Thank you for your feedback, and we hope you’ll return in the future to see how the course continues to evolve and improve.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Great course
Great course, fantastic layout, they have just completed their greens maintenance but you can see it will recover in no time and be in perfect condition for the summer. They are doing a lot of improvements to the course at the moment however that doesn’t interfere with play, really looking forwards to playing this course more regularly.
So disappointed
Im an old member of the club that wanted to play the course to consider rejoining. I was unbelievably disappointed from start to finish. The price of £50 is a complete joke considering the course is in horrendous condition. I remember 4 years ago when i joined the club that you would walk down to the course and see criss cross fairways, lush tee boxes and prestine greens, this does not exist anymore. This course used to be top 10 in essex, and now its not even in the top 50!! The fairways are rock solid with huge unkept track lines from all the works. Every hole has mounds of rubble. The tee boxes which have only been on for 3 weeks look worse than a local pitch and putt.
This is a £20 course pretending to be a “championship” track which is such a disappointment as 2/3 years ago this was one of the best courses around. Every other course in the county looks in great condition this time of year except crondon park. Such a shame. See you in 2 years when hopefully its under new management
Completely agree
I said the same on my review a few days ago
And I've been a member for last 16 years
Worst I've ever seen it
Dear George,
Thank you for your visit yesterday to Crondon. I am pleased we had the chance to have a brief catch up whilst you were playing. I do however note your concerns and thank you for bringing them to our attention. We apologise that the course fell short of our normal high standards and that you were left disappointed.
Last year, we undertook an enormous construction project which involved drainage, irrigation and pathing at a cost of close to £2M. The drainage project alone entailed the installation of over 25 miles of pipework in the ground. This resulted in us closing for only 1 day over the Winter and we also didn’t come of trolleys, which compared to the 70 days we were closed in the Winter of 2023, is a significant improvement and makes us accessible 12 months of the year. We have also installed a state of the art irrigation system which will allow us to irrigate fairways as well as a new path network.
However, notwithstanding the works detailed above, we accept that the course works need finishing and there is some tidying up to do which commences Monday 07.04.25. We are looking at the long term for Crondon and in the process we are having to make difficult decisions about upgrading the Championship course. It doesn’t help that we have just had the driest March on record which has meant that we, like every other course in Essex, are experiencing almost zero grass growth which in normal circumstances, would have allowed areas we have reseeded to recover.
As we explained yesterday, we are very committed to making Crondon a top ranking golf course and are very excited about the future here. Apart from upgrading the course, we are also looking to extensively expanding the clubhouse, the installation of Trackman at the Driving Range and generally improving the practice facilities for golfers. I am not aware of another Management Team in the County that is making a bigger investment or is more committed to improving our golfers experience.
Whilst we think it’s fair to remark that “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs”, we also understand that we need to focus on fine tuning our product, which as explained we are confident we can achieve.
Thank you again for visiting us yesterday. I hope that you will return soon to see the improvements we are making. To that end I am available on marlon@crondon.com should you haver any further comments/observations.
Kind Regards,
Marlon Fox
Managing Director
Amazing Golf Course!
I play several times a year at Crondon Park and it consistently offers an enjoyable experience. The course features some challenging holes, with greens that are well maintained throughout the year. The fairways are in good condition, and ongoing maintenance work is being carried out to enhance the course further. Both staff and members are exceptionally welcoming, creating a friendly atmosphere that isn’t always found at other clubs. In my opinion, its among the top courses in Essex.
Save your Money!
I have now written two reviews and both have been deleted. Before you spend the best part of £50 for a round please look at the state of the course. It baffles me how they are ripping people off with there ridiculous prices for a building site… yes in a few years time I have no doubt it would be worth the money but as it stands it’s a BUILDING SITE. And you can get so much more for your money at a much lower cost.. the course has potential but right now and since October last year it’s been a mess. Not to mention 5 balls slowing you down and not letting anyone play through..
like I said it has potential and I’m sure it will be worth it once all the works are done but stop ripping people off..!
Dear tstuart,
I'm sorry to hear that your experience at Crondon Park did not meet your expectations. We truly value all customer feedback and take it very seriously. I can assure you that we have not requested for any of your reviews to be removed.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your experience in more detail and address any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact me directly at 01277 841115. We’d love the chance to make things right and hopefully welcome you back to the club in the future.
Kind regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf
Crondon Park
Royal St George’s Golf Package
The Open 2026 Package
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review of your recent visit. We’re sorry to hear that the course condition fell short of your expectations.
At present, we are undertaking a significant development programme across the course, which includes new drainage throughout, a full bunker redesign, and the installation of a modern irrigation system. These projects are scheduled for completion by 15th March and are central to ensuring that Crondon Park is maintained to the highest standard for years to come.
As you’ll know, the exceptionally dry conditions over the past year have placed great strain on courses without irrigation systems in place. This has only reinforced the importance of the work we are doing now to secure the course’s future playability and presentation.
We appreciate that the scale of the current improvements has a short-term impact on the playing experience, and we sincerely apologise that this affected your round. Once the programme is complete, we are confident the course will return to the standard our members and guests rightly expect, and we would very much look forward to welcoming you back to experience the results.
Kind Regards,
David Laffar
Director of Golf