Lying on the northwestern coast of Norfolk, Hunstanton Golf Club, though not quite as tough as some of the Open Championship courses, is still a real challenge for all links enthusiasts. Already assured of its place in the historical annals of English golf when Bob Taylor scored a hole-in-one on three consecutive days at the 16th hole in 1974, it would be incorrect to assume that this is Hunstanton's only claim to fame. The links is of the highest calibre, offers countless superb holes and boasts greens that are amongst the finest and slickest in England.
Founded in 1891, the original nine holes at Hunstanton were laid out by George Fernie from Troon. The layout was extended to 18 holes by 1896 and following the advice of James Braid in 1907, a further twenty bunkers were added. In an effort to keep up to championship standard, Hunstanton has seen many minor alterations over the years. The present 17th and 18th holes were added in 1950 with raised greens also being created at the 6th, 7th and 8th holes. Seven new tees added in early 2001 has brought the yardage up to almost 7,000 and has ensured that Hunstanton remains protected from the rapid advances being made in equipment manufacture.
Following the opening couple of holes, which are negotiable but certainly not easy, one encounters what is rated as the toughest hole on the course. The key to this long, well-bunkered, right hand dogleg is good positional play. Anything struck right from the tee will find thick rough, while the presence of the River Hun demands an accurate approach to a sloping green. The short par four, 6th hole is one of the best on the course and demands a knee-trembling second to a green set high on a plateau, while the 168-yard 7th, which requires a carry over a wild ravine and steep bunker is another of Hunstanton's feature holes.
Like the opening half, the homeward journey does not disappoint, with one of the finest holes being the par four, 13th. Whatever you do here, aim straight for the marker post on the distant ridge - anything right will be lost or in rough; anything left will probably find a large, steep bunker, where aspirations to get home in two almost invariably flounder. The long par three, 14th requires a blind shot aimed at a distant pole and though this is the kind of hole, which would never be built today, it is full of character and bears testament to the history of the course. The final two holes are simply superb, with the par four, 17th hole, though not rated officially as so, being generally acknowledged as the toughest on the course.
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An old links course with its roots firmly in the 19th century, Hunstanton have not been afraid to ring the required changes to its layout and in so doing have preserved its status as a worthy championship links.
Situated directly on the coast in northwestern Norfolk little over a mile north of the town of Hunstanton, just off the main A149 route.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
The White Horse Restaurant, Main Road, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk PE31 8BY. Tel: (44) 1485 210262. Views across glorious coastal marshland can be savoured from the airy conservatory restaurant. Seafood is a speciality, with fresh mussels and oysters regularly appearing on its menus.
Lifeboat Inn Restaurant, Ship Lane, Thornham, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6LT. Tel: (44) 1485 512236. The attraction is some sturdy and honest cooking with the likes of spiced crab and ginger fishcakes or Moroccan spiced shank of lamb.
Titchwell Manor Restaurant, Titchwell, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Tel: (44) 1485 210221. Local seafood offers a strong incentive to dine at this charming hotel restaurant. Game and meat are available but the menu focuses on whitebait, mussels, oysters, crab and scampi.
Congham Hall Restaurant, Lynn Road, Grimston, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1AH. Tel: (44) 1485 600250. The lunch menu invites diners to sit wherever they fancy, whilst the evening menu ensures that the table reserved is theirs for the evening. Warm décor and attentive staff enhance a relaxed atmosphere.
Lying on the northwestern coast of Norfolk, Hunstanton Golf Club, though not quite as tough as some of the Open Championship courses, is still a real challenge for all links enthusiasts. Already assured of its place in the historical annals of English golf when Bob Taylor scored a hole-in-one on three consecutive days at the 16th hole in 1974, it would be incorrect to assume that this is Hunstanton's only claim to fame. The links is of the highest calibre, offers countless superb holes and boasts greens that are amongst the finest and slickest in England.
