Back from the brink – Sapey G&CC
The first and very much foremost message in this write up is that the newly re-named Sapey Golf & Country Club are very much alive and kicking and ready to welcome even more visitors and societies than ever before to this beautiful secluded location on the Worcs/Herefordshire border.
They came mighty close to a very sad demise earlier this summer as no takers seemed to be around to purchase the club. But with only weeks to go and final competitions in the planning stage, enter Alfie Best, chairman of The Wyldecrest Group, who took one look and decided there and then that Sapey was for him.
The club is set for a £500K investment boost to the course and facilities in the coming months, just to improve things even further, add a bit of stardust. Because after all, what they already is pretty good as it is.
Sapey is a 27 hole location, the 9 hole short Oaks course plays many a role in proceedings, a perfect starter golfer layout, the ideal society warm up track if you are keen on a full day here, plus they also use it for FootGolf. It is also a very attractive setting to play some golf and sharpen up those short game skills.
The full size Rowan course shares that attractive aspect, slightly less undulating too as it takes a route away from the clubhouse, with an open countryside backdrop and complete peace and quiet all around.
The Rowan is an ideal society course, suiting all handicaps, never too long to be over taxing and never too tight from the tee either, or thick in rough to make it too difficult to find a wayward golf ball.
So you get a chance to score well but it isn’t without danger either. The front nine runs all around the perimeter of the course, so out of bounds is a constant threat. And then there’s a pair of short holes that spell danger, and both are tricky club selection tests too.
The eighth is the signature hole, the water at the rear of the green is an unmistakeable sight, but don’t underestimate the threat of the little rocky brook that runs in front. The 11th is more obvious and this time the water is all below the green, but it’s all open to the elements and that’s where the issue is. It was a two club wind when I played it, I only allowed for one. Three from the tee!
But I got round ok in the end and there’s a lovely closing stretch of longer holes to look forward to as you head back to the clubhouse, separated by one last short one at 17, a little friendlier than before.
19th hole – One of the improvements is already in place. The first floor golfer’s reception is a welcome addition in a spike bar type atmosphere with great views over the course. Further along is the main bar and dining/function room with space to host any occasion.
Future plans include a brand new shop for head professional Chris Knowles including an indoor swing room with simulator. New gym and leisure facilities are in the pipeline and a possible bit of play and stay is on the horizon too. There’s going to be a lot going on at Sapey Golf & Country Club.
