Hole 18

Sponsor: MDK Roofing

This is truly a spectacular finishing hole which begins with a drive across the widest ravine on the course. The ground in front of the tee plunges steeply down to Stockley Beck. This is then followed by a climb up onto the plateau from where the green can be seen. On the right the outline of "Toddy's" bunker, which only existed for about four years, can be seen. It was said that J T Todd, a prominent Club golfer had this bunker filled in because of the problems it caused him. The original tee on this hole was located to the right of the present medal tee. The present metal bridge was installed and first used on 1st March 1980 to help ease the climb up the fairway, from where St Brandon's Church can be seen on the left. Overlooking the 18th green from the Churchyard lies old* Tom Kirtley who was Head Greenkeeper for many years and still keeps an eye on things, so beware! 

Along the Church boundary wall there is a row of flowering cherry trees but in the past there was a "Ha Ha" along the full length of the wall. This is a deep ditch with a wall on its inner side and below ground level, acting as a boundary for the Deer Park. The purpose of this was to confine livestock and animals. An existing if somewhat overgrown "Ha Ha" can be seen to the right of the gate. The area from the top of the ravine up to the 18th green was the location for the castle's tennis courts prior to the course being built. For a short period this area plus the area to the right of the first fairway was used as the practice area. Look closely and you can still see the practice tee. 

The round over, feeling somewhat tired but no doubt satisfied, it is time to visit the Club House to be suitably refreshed and to reflect on what could have been.