St. Enodoc Golf Club - Holywell Course

Almost since golf was first played here there have been holes on the north side of the present clubhouse, at times part of the now Church course and at times part of a shorter nine hole course. Some of the original holes were of Braid's design; after additional land was acquired it was extended in 1982 with the building of the current holes 5 to 12 to make a full 18 holes. With some further modifications and the addition of some bunkers we have the current layout of 9 par 3s and 9 par 4s for a total length of 4082 yards.
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The Holywell Course plan
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Score card for the Holywell Course

Many of the holes would do justice to any golf course and holes 14, 15 and 16 are its "Amen Corner". Number 14 is a 345 yard uphill par 4 with a road diagonally crossing the fairway at its most inconvenient point where it also doglegs right which then leaves the player with a steep uphill second to an almost invisible green.

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The Holywell by the 12th green


By comparison, the 15th at least you can see all of the very small upturned saucer Donald Ross style green some 176 yards downhill from the tee. This hole is completely at the mercy of the wind from whichever direction it may be blowing and there is every chance that a ball landing on the green will be shed off again. One past Captain, the late Brian Gale, always maintained that it is the hardest hole in the 36, and not many people disagreed with him!

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The 15th green on the Holywell


At 109 yards the 16th is the shortest hole of all and to compensate it has a tiny green, the detail of which is hidden from view - you see the flag and nothing else. Anyone who stands on the 17th tee having parred the previous 3 holes can feel very pleased.

This course is also maintained to a very high standard and while it may be less demanding on stamina, it still provides a real test of skill for golfers of any handicap. It is ideal for the young who are just starting to play; it is excellent for older golfers who want an occcasional round without the climbing and scrambling that is necessary on the Church Course; and it is most enjoyable for the good golfer who wants a relaxing round, perhaps on a summer evening.

Why is it called the Holywell course? To the left of the 12 hole is the "Holy Well" the history of which is somewhat clouded, one theory is that St Enodoc may have baptised his converts here at the site of a small settlement.