Kings Lynn Golf Club Feature Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook who played Kings Lynn in June 2018

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Whilst Norfolk is renowned for its links offerings, Kings Lynn Golf Club stands aloft as one of the county's best parkland courses presenting golfers of all abilities a real stern but fair test.

After being originally designed by James Braid, the club moved to its current location in 1975 under the watchful eye of Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas and has since matured in its current surroundings to become a fine parkland layout with natural rolling tree line fairways and immaculately manicured from tee to green.

Rated Highly Recommended on Golfshake

10 of the Best Golf Courses in Norfolk

Pre-Round Thoughts

As you arrive and head to the well stocked and informative pro shop, you get a glimpse of what awaits. The putting green sits just off the back of the 18th green behind the clubhouse and the view back down the 18th with the tight tree-lined fairway give you a great idea of what is in store.

A driving range is on offer as well as chipping and putting greens giving everything you would look for before a round.

Fairly priced bar snack menu is available should you wish to eat before or after.

Front 9 Overview

It's not until you arrive on the first tee that you realise just how picturesque a parkland course can be. With the large mature trees lining the fairway, the 1st hole will feel like a tough start. But as you head on through the front nine you realise that this is the theme for the day.

Whilst the holes do vary in length - meaning that a driver isn't always the best option - the first four holes can offer a scoring chance if you keep it in the short stuff.

The 1st feels extremely tight with a green well protected, the second is short but position is key as the fairway slopes away with an approach back up to the green. The 3rd boasts length and a long drive is required, and the 4th is fairly blind off the tee. The variety equates to an enjoyable but challenging start to the course. The second half of the front nine is slightly more forgiving as the trees become less dense but that respite doesn't last long with the stunning par five 9th bringing you crashing down to reality. Whilst not the longest, the tightness plays a part again with a fairway bunker well placed, you'll have a task to find the fairway but if you do a four is maybe on the cards.

Back 9 Overview

The back starts as the front finished. Another beauty of a par five but this is soon followed by the longest par four requiring two well struck shots to get on in two then a stunning 210 yard par three. The back nine gives then takes away throughout. A scoreable hole followed by a tough hole but each time adding to the variety. Weather you are navigating fairway bunkers, standalone trees or the odd ditch across the fairway each hole offers something different.

The 17th and 18th is a excellent finish. Both dog-leg right to left around 380 yards where position is vital and a precise approach is required. The approach into 18th in particular is a special shot with every chance of a smattering of applause from the onlooking crowd enjoying their post round drink - if you hit it close of course.

Post-Round Thoughts

The course at Kings Lynn is very tight and challenging, but at the same time is very fair and scoreable if you keep the ball in play.

If you have a bad day it can beat any player up bad. But if you have a good day you can score - which is all the more pleasing given how tight the course feels and plays. Picturesque throughout and enjoyable all round regardless of the score.

Perfect condition from tee to green. Lush fairways and a colourful selection of flowers around tees and greens add to the experience.

Being sand based the course is playable all year round and you will always find it to be in perfect condition.

Verdict/Roundup

All round Kings Lynn has to be right up there with the best inland course Norfolk has to offer. It wouldn't look out of place holding an event we are used to seeing on the TV and I wouldn't hesitate to either recommend or return as quick as I can.

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 9
Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 9
Course (Green Condition) - 9
Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 10
Club facilities & 19th/Clubhouse - 10
Practice Facilities - 9
Friendliness/Hospitality - 9
Pace of Play - 8
Value for Money - 9

Reviewed in June 2018 by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook (Handicap 11).