Woolston Manor Golf & Country Club

Organised a mid to low hcp 4 ball at WM last Sunday. Scene was set, sunshine was plentiful, spirits were high, water at the ready… and for £18 , we thought we had grabbed a bargain

First tee box looked a little tired and off the fairways were deep rough to the right.. little did we know this was only just the beginning.

We persevered for a few holes but you can see maintenance around the course was non-existent.

A few drives that were straight were actually lost as the fairways had old cut grass that hadn’t been collected, as a result a few balls were lost to the undergrowth.

We continued but spirits had started to dampen like a dull December morning, everywhere had thick uncut grass that wouldn’t look out of place in the amazon.. I should have left my 60degree wedge had home and packed a machete instead.

The greens were so think they resembled a thick woven carpet that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a residential retirement home such was the depth of the shag pile grass.

To top it all, we found ourselves on the back end of a high hcp club competition on the 13th (we had already been out for nearly 4 hours already) so decided to walk off. Never have I walked off a course before.

I would’ve asked for a refund but the pro shop was shut, however I would suggest they keep the money and invest in a lawnmower and more staff.

Such a shame as this has the potential to be a lovely course, but seems its being run into disrepair.

I definitely wont be going back and feel there are better courses within a 5 mile radius.

Last two times I've been the course has been in a poor condition. First time nothing was cut, staff tried lying and said that we went out too early which us hardly an excuse as you shouldn't provide early tee times If that's the case but it was actually due to thier machines being broke. Second time again early, they left the sprinklers on, alot of the greens were saturated and I had to turn some of the sprinklers off myself, they shouldn't provide early tee times if the staff are too lazy to get up on time.

The course layout has always been great, Having played the course when it first opened with superb greens and bunkers it needs work. It was sad to see rubble dumped and rubbish bins overflowing with empty beer bottles .This could be one of the best courses in Essex

Booked via tee times so got a reduced rate which worked out around £15. Can’t complain about anything at that price.

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Made to feel very welcome. Clubhouse was very modern with a terrace and swimming pool outside.

The course wasn’t in good condition in my opinion. Greens very bumpy, tee boxes a mess, quite a few stones in the bunkers.

This was my first time playing this course. i can imagine that this was a brilliant course to play a few years ago but it needs a lot of TLC.

This was my first time (and last!) - Greens poor and lumpy - fairways pretty much to same.

Won't be going again!

great value for money but greens in very poor condition

I was really looking forwards to playing Woolston Manor and the challenge of the many bunkers. However, the course was in very poor condition - the greens were slow and mossy with considerable deviation when putting. Fairways lacked the care and attention they deserved and bunkers were part sand, part stone and lay on a base of hard ground.

The man in the pro shop was rude and unhelpful and appeared almost put out that we were playing!

The pace of play was good although I suspect that was because everyone was keen to finish their round and leave the course! Such a disappointing course which has so much potential but lack care, love and attention.

Last played here 2 years ago, it has gone drastically down hill.

The tees where in terrible condition the fairways where bad and around the greens where bare and patchy

The worst thing was the greens and bunkers, with there being so many bunkers you would think they would be in good condition but sand was dry and impossible to hit a decent bunker shot

The greens where not worth putting on,bumpy dry and diseased,putts where hard to keep online,we walked in and didn't complete the round it was in that bad condition. A Shame as used to be a good course

Overall I enjoyed it. Some of the par 5 holes are a bit quirky, dog-legs and challenging hazards. Greens not in perfect conditions, patchy and slow.

Fairways good condition

Rough cuttings left in the rough so lost 3 balls where it was just impossible to see under all the cuttings

greens were slow for summer but superb lines. The line was true every time

Would play again

Location and surroundings superb. Course management is essential to achieve low scores. Course is suitable for all abilities. Most of the bunkers GUR but it never spoilt our round. Still early in the season course wise and conditions will improve.

• second time i played it

• parking costs 50p if you’re playing golf

• tees were badly overgrown

• a lot of blind shots, the course needs a few markers

• the greens were hard and a bit overgrown: the approach shots would bounce 3–4 feet back in the air, but the grass would grab hard on your putt

• no rakes in the bunkers

• with a bit more care this could be an amazing course - check the 230 yds. par 3

Fantastic set up up coarse to keep you on your

toes. Lots of thinking off the T to keep you in play. Dog legs trees and bunkers are well placed to keep the driver in the bag. First cut of rough did result in lost balls so could do with a trim. Greens were 90% true and easy fixed with a little roll to flatten. Can’t wait to return for vengeance

• course was finally dry, which gave the ball a lot more roll on the fairways, and made the while experience more enjoyable

• pace of play was perfect, which was refreshing considering the last time i played it was so slow that i had to stop after 10 holes

• greens were in perfect condition, just the odd blemish here and there

• the gentleman running the pro shop is a class act - massive thumbs up for him

Greens were in poor condition, very bumpy. Rough just off the fairway was very long and there was grass curtings left everywhere. Not sure if this was just done down to the awful weather we have had over the last few weeks though. Will probably give it another try in a month or so and see if things have improved. Shame because it’s pretty local for me and has some interesting if tricksy holes.

A nice course but not in great condition, hollow tine greens and in need of some general course maintenance. . Despite, thisit was still good value for the money. A challenging course, which I would like to play in the summer when the greens have recovered