Keswick Golf Club (Full Cry course)

Keswick Golf Club's "Full Cry" course is laid out in full view of the sumptuous Keswick Hall, which looks down on proceedings from its slightly elevated platform. You are unlikely to see the historic Keswick Hunt Club "in full cry", but you will be attempting to "run your ball to ground" (or at least into the hole) on this fabulous course. Taking its cue from the open links of Britain and Ireland, the layout represents a "toned-down" version of some of Dye's earlier and more dramatic designs. The accent here is on both style and golfing challenge.

The immaculately maintained layout, never unnecessarily penal or "tricked-up", offers many stylish holes. Deft touches of Pete Dye's consummate design skills are very much in evidence. Like an old-style links, there's not far to walk from green to next tee, and the terrain is pleasantly rolling rather than excessively undulating. Wooden flag sticks, square cut tees, and an abundant use of elongated pot bunkers, as well as a few classic Dye-style "trench" bunkers, complement the layout's open linksy feel. Well-sculpted rolling mounds often define the good-width fairways, while the greens are stylishly defended by mounds, bunkers and slick run-off areas.

Pick of the holes: The use of red-stone facings on some tees and around a few water hazards, adds another old-world touch to the layout. This is most clearly expressed at the long-par 4 18th, where a stone-lined pond must be crossed from the elevated tee. The panoramic view from the tee includes the Hall in all its splendour, set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. If Dye's intent was to sign-off with a hole to savour, then he succeeded admirably .... the icing on the cake of a superb golf course.

Stay&Play at Keswick Hall: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.