Malkins Bank Golf Club

Love this corse, great holes, great staff especially the gent in the hut at the 10th tee, gave me a driver cover and a putter cover for free, best corse I've played by far.

Having not played golf for a while I thought it best to go back to where I used to play, so off I went back to Malkins Bank GC. I enjoyed playing there before as it was a nice track with a variation of holes.

However, since I've been away the place has been transformed; the course is in great shape, the greens offer a quality surface to putt on with undulations that create a good fair test.

The fairways are also in great nick and wide enough not to be too imposing but must be respected because trouble can easily be found, especially if you get into the trees, of which there are quite a few. From memory the grass is now shorter under the trees so you can make good contact but you're in the woods so your hampered enough already!

There isn't masses of rough but when you do find it it's very difficult to locate your ball let alone play a shot so stay well clear, if you can..

Another major change is the order of holes, the 1st used to be a dead straight Par 4 which was quite a knee-knocker, especially as you could be being watched by any number of other golfers in close proximity, waiting to tee off. Now you start on what used to be the 10th, a nice cosy downhill Par 3 where you feel a little more tucked away when you tee off - a solid iron shot and your away.

As for length I guess it's on the shorter side, I don't know the UK average but, with the Par 4's ranging from 314 to 368 (off yellow) it's no push over. I suppose a very low handicapper with a 275+ yard killer drive in his/her armoury might want more of a test because a lot of the holes are quite straight. Most average golfers, playing off double figures, will enjoy the test of reaching the dancefloor.

The staff I spoke to at the club were very friendly, helpful and down to earth. I didn't catch any whiff of snobbery at Malkins Bank which is important to me. I'm certainly going to look at full membership.

As for the price, at £11 booked through Teeofftimes.co.uk it was an absolute bargain and I'll be going back for another round next week.

Back nine are some of the best I have played a well payed out. Course indexed

As a 1st time player of the course, the course layout is very confusing, some little signs advising were the next tee is, is needed. Had to ask several players on other holes for directions also hole number and yardage isnt displayed on every tee

Apart from the above the above the course is very tidy and well kept, and its handy that American golf now run the onsite shop

The course was very wet with plenty of swampy spots on fairways and water in some bunkers. Fairways also suffered a lot of damage from buggies. The course feels short when played from winter tees but all normal greens were in play and in reasonable condition. The course side close to M6 is very noisy. On the positive side, the staff and members were friendly and the price for a round of golf was very good. It wasn't the best golfing experience but a typical winter golf.

Malkins is a good golf course.

The ground was wet so was cutting up and the course is popular so is used heavily. Some areas around tees are under reconstruction and the grounds staff have their work cut out.

Greens were not in top condition and like the course could do with a breather for a few months.

Friendly staff and a good 19th. Buggy bargain at £10.

I would play again and I hope they get on top of the repair work.