The Word-July

Pay & Play
at Wincanton Golf Course
Golf has taken off in a big way, so it
seemed the right time to explore our
own local hidden gem.
Nestled in the centre of Wincanton Racecourse,
the course is hidden from view, even
for the majority of race-goers, it’s pretty much
out of sight.
But, once you do find it it’s really superb,
and as the resident professional at the club,
Andrew England, describes it: “a challenging
inland Links course, very flat with deep
bunkers, big greens and lots of wind.”
He is of course absolutely right, the 9-hole
doubled up to 18, par 70, measuring 6,266
yards is a challenging layout for golfers of
all abilities. Built in 1992-93 and opened in
‘94 having been built to US specifications,
all the greens are constructed to a very high
standard, with the main hazards along the
way being the long grass, long holes and
sometimes the wind.
It’s a very welcoming club, anyone can turn
up to pay and play for the £10.00 green fee,
although with the current virus rules at the
moment one must ring to book a Tee Time in
advance. Andrew commented: “Since people
have been allowed to return to golf, we’ve
seen a massive upturn. Some years ago
we saw a fall in numbers as people took to
cycling, but they are returning in droves, it’s
great for the game and the clubs.”
Not only have so many dusted off their clubs
and are enjoying the sport again, Andrew
has been giving lessons to an eclectic mix of
newcomers to the game, he added: “It’s been
great to see a lot of both men and women
starting up, they are all out there now
relishing their new hobby. And, don’t forget,
golf is a game for life, you don’t need to be
super fit to play on into old age. Another
attraction is that nine holes of golf doesn’t
take as long as is often imagined, you can
be round the course inside an hour and a
half.”
They have a charming barn conversion
clubhouse, which houses a well-stocked
Pro Shop and a pleasant cafeteria with
coffee and alcoholic beverages available to
members and non-members alike, to make
the tenth, or nineteenth hole more rewarding.
In normal times they even have four
rooms upstairs for Airbnb.
Andrew, says: “There’s a healthy membership
here too and the seniors especially
are very active, playing competition rounds
twice a week. The course is looking good
at the moment, Matt our Green Keeper
has been doing a wonderful job given the
difficult weather conditions we’ve had so
far this year, the greens are in magnificent
shape. We’re also very lucky here as in
winter it’s the driest course in the westcountry,
the drainage is brilliant so we never
have to use temporary greens.”
He’s right again, they are looking excellent.
Asked what his favourite holes were
Andrew quickly replied: “the 5th par 3 with
it’s raised, well protected green and a
prevailing wind blowing from the right. And,
the par 4, 1st hole has a clever dogleg, it’s
also had some dangerous new bunkers put
in place recently to protect it.”
Yes, it can be a bit windy up there on
occasions, but then again you have far
reaching views and a great open feel. Golf
is after all often described as a really good
walk - spoilt by golf - and this course would
be a wonderful amble on any day, even if
the clubs aren’t doing quite what you want
them to!
Station Road, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BX
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