Hayloft Golfing Times

28 March 2010

Spring Trophy 2010

This year saw a change of venue as many felt the that the annual trip to Northshore was becoming a bit stale.  So was the move 8 miles up the coast to Sutton-on-Sea the needed change or just a pain for those that craved the bright light of the heaving metropolis that is Skegness.

This year the venue was Sandilands Golf Club with the accommodation provided by the Grange & Links Hotel.

In terms of the rooms these were equally appointed as those at Northshore Golf Club, spacious and clean.  However, the showers were woeful the proprietors may wish to consider upgrading to power-showers as a  scalding/freezing dribble of water just Isn't enough.

So, we have reviewed the accommodation, what about the cuisine? Well, on of the first things you notice on entering the hotel is an array of decorative plates baring the legend ‘AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence’, So expectations were high as we took our seats for dinner.

On initial review of the menu there seemed to be something for everyone, with the exception of Wetback who, as at Northshore,  expressed the desire for a Khebab.  Most found something to their taste with the exception of those who opted for the Sirloin Steak, which by all accounts was chewy in the extreme.  The European team Captain did however point out that had the tight gits splashed an extra £5 they could have had an excellent Fillet.  However, one of Al’s more profound statements of the weekend sums up the Hotel to a tee, ‘This is the 1950’s’, he said.

Though this statement may have been prompted more by seeing his opposition, the USA Captain (Carl), rather than the general ambiance.

Enough of this, what about Sandilands Golf Club Itself? Well according to the blurb its only 600yds from the Hotel.  All I can say is this penned by the same receptionist who told yours truly that the nearest cash

machine was at the Spar store 5 minute walk away, 20 minutes later I was still walking.

The course is wedge shaped with the first and last few holes running along a shared fairway sandwiched between the sea wall and the road a nightmare in the windy conditions.  At its southern end the course is a bit wider allowing for some transverse holes which gives the wind a chance come at you from all directions.  

The greens were in excellent condition and eminently puttable.  On the whole this is a true links course unlike Northshore.  Its true to say it wasn’t to everyone's taste but well worth the visit.

For results please visit the results page.

Oh one last bit of News a Tiger Shark was spotted just off the beach while we were there.

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