Disley

It is not a long course at just a couple of paces over 6,000 yards but the par is 70 and the fairways are tight and tree-lined. The views from the back-nine are spectacular and you wouldn't believe you were just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Manchester.

The course only has two par fives and these both come in the opening three holes. They sandwich the 200 yard par three second which has a well protected green. The first hole is the shorter of the par fives and although it plays uphill and usually into the wind it is still possible to reach in two blows. The third is a bit more of a monster and only the longer hitters have a chance of an eagle putt here.

The fourth favours an approach from the right and the fifth is an interesting short par four, the first of several on the course, whilst the next is a semi-blind par three.

Hole seven is a poor hole, measuring 250 yards and played up a steep incline, although there is a nice double stone wall running the length of the hole along the right.

Holes eight and nine provide a strong finish to the front nine and are the pick of the bunch on the outward half. The eighth is downhill and narrows just before the green whilst the ninth dog-legs to the right and has a water hazard on the corner.

Like many parkland courses holes 10 and 11 are up and down, both quite featureless, and running parallel to one another. That aside the routing at Disley is good and takes you on a pleasant tour of the grounds.

The 12th is a fine hole but is followed by a totally blind par three with a marker post approximately 25 yards to the left of the green! The next isn't a particularly good hole but has an interesting quarry just before the small green. The short par three 15th also has a tiny green and is difficult to find with your tee-shot.

The best hole on the course is undoubtedly the 16th. It's a classic risk and reward dog-leg hole played over the corner of the out-of-bounds practice ground. It is framed by some mature trees on the far side and swings downhill to the right where you find a pretty green complex.

Improvements have been made to the sloping fairway on the 17th but it is still difficult to hold but should you find it you will have a pleasant shot into the green. The 18th is a very long par four where par is a good score.

There are better courses in Cheshire but few can claim to have more impressive views and there are enough interesting holes to make playing here enjoyable.