Mersey Valley GC

Situated on a former farmers field just off the A57, Warrington Road, lies Mersey Valley GC. For more a century this track was a ploughed field which is why there are "no hills or gradients". The website says this makes the course attractive for all ages and abilities and indeed it is, the steepest slope is the ramp to get up the kerb in the car park.

In the seventeen years of operating the course has matured and the trees are established. All of the fairways are flanked with trees, most of them are wide and relieving, but there are a couple of narrow, testing fairways requiring an accurate drive. 

On the day I played the first two fairways were boggy, but not surprising after the downpour the night before. All of the greens are large and were in pristine condition. Water comes into play on several holes in form of lakes and ditches. 

Mersey Valley was designed and constructed by the St Mellion Leisure arm of St Mellion International, home of the Jack Nicklaus course in Cornwall. The designer must have had an off day in the office as a couple of the holes are a bit samey, but by no means boring. In fact everyone in our party enjoyed the course. This par-72 is a terrific course and a good test. I would like to play again in the height of summer as with firmer fairways I believe I could reach a few greens from the tee, maybe even on a couple of the par 4's. 

Three of the holes are dog legs. The 12th had a right bend to the hole, my drive was tight to the bend, the second shot caused me to sprint left to keep an eye on the ball.  Fortunately there is a lot of space around most of the greens to slice into. This course is very forgiving at times.  

The clubhouse is of timber construction and blends nicely with its surroundings. The club office is a port-a-cabin which stuck me as bit odd. There isn't much stock to peruse before tee off but the spikes bar is a nice setting to examine your scorecard and to relive your flop shot.

 

The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I made a list of demands with vouchers and offers and the staff were very accommodating. The food was splendid and the bar is well stocked. If you don't like the clubhouse then there is The Griffin pub just down the winding drive. The entrance to the course is difficult to spot, the signage isn't great but if you are heading from the M62 then the drive is about 50 yards past The Griffin. 

A truly fantastic day out and well worth the visit. For more information go to http://www.merseyvalleygolfandcountryclub.co.uk/

Course: Par-72, 6,300 yards. Location: just outside of Warrington, on A57. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £18. Sat-Sun £22. Twilight: offers on golf and supper from £15. Tel: 0151 424 6060. Rating: 3