Located a little over 15 miles to the west of Oxford, Witney Lakes Resort presents as a relatively challenging 18 hole course complete with driving range, on site restaurant and bar plus extensive training and fitness facilities. The latter perhaps suitable for those who do not already consider 18 holes of golf as sufficient physical exercise…
Lacking as it does a pro shop, there is nevertheless a resident pro, and for those requiring attention to their game, Deana Rushworth is a genial host who has fixed (and indeed, subsequently re-fixed) your scribe’s swing on more than one occasion.
The course itself tees off with the slight dog left first, the green thoroughly out of site beyond a fairway which opens up appreciably. Notable holes thereafter are the seventh (your author’s favourite), a challenging par four where the green once again lays out of site at the base of a gently descending slope. As if that wasn’t enough, note the cheeky burn just in front of the green. The fairway once again opens up from the tee shot and the temptation will be to strike out for the green. Beware the burn however. I’ve nestled in there more than once, and I’ve even torn my Achilles tendon trying to extract myself…
The seventh is followed by the eighth. Naturally. Euphoric at a previous par you may be, but presented by the signature eighth hole you will need to regroup. It may ‘only’ be a par three but the hole lays beyond a body of water which is never the same twice. Visit at the height of summer and one may wonder what all the fuss is about, the water having receded somewhat. Return in the winter however and it’s a different proposition, the water now representing a somewhat sinister presence between you and the green. I’ve lost a good deal more balls at this time of year, it has to be said.
The course signs off with the par four eighteenth, where a green once again lays beyond a body of water. Well placed bunkers at either side of the fairway ensure a challenge regardless of draw or fade, and the gentle slope to the fairway ensures any ball dropping onto the green reflects an approach played well.
High handicapper or seasoned pro, the course has something for most tastes. Add in ample parking, amiable staff and the odd bit of wildlife about the place and the overall effect is very effective.
Mark W, Subscriber