Since the new management team have joined the club and since I completed my work experience at the age of sixteen, some 10 years ago, there have been some extensive improvements to the course and facilities at Abbey Hill Gold Club.

The new menus have a varied selection and the course itself has better drainage and course paths. The problem of slow play has been addressed by reminding golfers to keep up with the players in front, with time checks throughout the course and a quality ranger patrolling at all times.

Throughout the winter of 2008 there have been very few temporary holes due to good course management and the use of having the pin close to the edge of the green.

The course itself is in good condition with some tricky holes and some testing Par 3’s.

The Golf range is £3.50 for a 50 ball bucket and £4.50 for a 90 ball bucket. There is also a small par three course to practice your short game or for the youngsters to try. Putting is free at all times on the well treated practice greens. A nice perk to the course is being able to phone the clubhouse on the 10th hole and order food to pick up on the way to the 11th.

There is a well stocked club shop with constant bargains to be had. There is also a driving range with lessons available from the in-house golf instructors (watch this space as I will be trying this out for myself) . Twilight Prices start at £9.50 per person from 3:30pm onwards. 18 holes start from £17.50 midweek to £23.75 at weekends.

Food                                                                                                                                                                                           My guest (who is a big golf fan) and I had lunch before our game in the restaurant area. The menu is simple with a good selection. Graham, the manager a pleasant guy from Scotland recommended the chilli, jacket potato with side salad. The portion was plentiful and presented well. There was a kick to this dish with lots of jalapenos. The salad is crisp and fresh. My guest had the All Day Breakfast. Again the portion was a good size, the food cooked well and it wasn’t too greasy alongside a nice cup of tea. We were now ready for three and a half hours of golf.

Atmosphere                                                                                                                                                                                The restaurant can be busy and full of laughter with people finishing their games on a high. This was a Tuesday afternoon so it was not so busy on this occasion. The people were friendly and made you feel welcome.

Service                                                                                                                                                                                          If the bar is unattended, you need to order your food by ringing the bell. Table service is minimal although our food was delivered with a smile.

Décor                                                                                                                                                                                        The décor is clean and fresh with a huge flat screen TV for watching sport (mainly golf), and wooden panelled score boards above the bar area with past awards including hole in ones and best scores. The plan is to add my own name to the engraved list. Don’t miss out! Abbey Hill are offering a deal at present called the Summer Sizzler: Tea, Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 holes of golf, 1 Course chef's meal ONLY£22 per person (Mon- Fri)