Longhirst Hall Hotel & Golf - The Lakes Course

The Lakes, a very friendly welcome from the golf shop, and a wonderfully garrulous gent at the starter hut, another course that allows you to play from whatever tee you like, whites for us, course was in great condition, and looked very picturesque, couple of burnt spots on the greens, but they ran very true and quite quickly, but not like lightning, tee s were also in good condition, and all GUR was well marked, very minor issue was 150 markers were not obvious. Layout of the course is perfectly fine, although the par 3s could do with more protection, to many bail out areas, whilst it’s called the Lakes, and there are more than a few, if your a relatively accurate ball striker the water doesn’t really come into play as much as you would expect, mind you if you are wayward then it will be a whole different story. Back nine had a beautiful par 4; with stunning views, and a couple of large dogleg holes that require good placement to allow you to attack the green. Looking forward to going back.

Longhirst Hall Golf Club has 2 excellent and quite different tracks on offer. I've played the Dawson more often than the Lakes so I was looking forward to see how it had developed over the last few years.

The weather was excellent and the course looked phenomenal from the first tea. The Lakes course has an interesting layout, with clever holes requiring an accurate blind tee shot to avoid scary rough and water, and nicely staged par 3s well framed with mounds and bunkers. The 8th and 12th were particular favourites.

There's always varied and beautiful wildlife at Longhirst, and today it was a bit like playing in a waterfowl reserve.

It's no surprise that some liken this course to Florida tracks, and with today's sunshine it was hard to tell the difference between Northumberland and Orlando.

The only negative today was the four-ball in front playing slowly and not letting smaller groups through. I will definitely be having another crack at the Lakes soon.

Course very busy but no qualms about playing this course again.

Great to be out to play my first round in over 18 months. Hopefully rid of a few cobwebs.

The course was immaculate. Greens ran true and fast but were perfectly cut.

The water hazards did manage to snaffle a few wayward shots but the round was more about enjoying the experience again.

If you get the chance go out and play this course which has something for everyone.

Well laid out course, good easy walking, no too many inclines for a 73 year old like myself.

Would have preferred to hire a buggy but the price for a visiting OAP was prohibitive at £25

I played longhirst today for the first time in 20 years, the course has developed incredibly well in this time and is still a great challenge, very scenic now the trees are up, looking forward to coming back soon.

I've played this course twice and, this may be down to my ability, but this is a good course if you have a decent handicap. Challenging holes with water hazards, but room to try to rip a driver if you can and a cracking par 3 on a hill, too.

The course is beautiful, well looked after and the greens are carpet-like, too.

It'll be down to the fact I'm just not very good but will still recommend this course to those wanting a good test. What I will say is, make sure you take plenty of spare balls!

Excellent course and surrounding views well worth the 20 quid

I haven’t played here for a while but this is a great but difficult course. Out in the countryside, it has some stunning holes with plenty of tricky ones. Water is on almost every hole which is great as you have to really think about club selection and line as you can’t just whip out your driver and blast it anywhere because it will more than likely end up in the drink. For me the 17th is one of the best, where the green is basically a landing strip between two ponds. If your brave and a long hitter, you could reach the front of the green with driver from the tee, but it has massive risk/reward. The greens were a bit furry and slow from what I remember and we were waiting on most holes for the group in front but we still managed a round in just under 3 1/2 hours. Will definitely come again.

Multiple times I have played the Lakes course. Got to be honest, was probably the worst I have seen the course condition in. Greens were not the best (needed a cut and was very bobbly) the fairways were not great too. Was quite surprised as it's always been to the highest standards and i also was expecting the course to look better than what it did since they has been no golf for months.