THE re-opened first nine holes of the historic Colt course at Stoke Park Country Club have been heralded by members as “brilliant”, “fantastic” and “the best feature of the club”.

Stoke Park members had exclusive early access to the nine holes which have undergone major bunker renovation during the winter months.

Although the shape and size of the bunkers have changed, the renowned strategic positioning remains.

Members have hailed the effect this has had, not just to the challenge of the course but also its playability.

Club captain, John Sweeney, said: “I think the changes on the course are magnificent.

“The bunkers will play a lot harder, but when the work on holes 10-18 is carried out next winter it will take the whole course to a new level.

“It’s not just an aesthetic thing, it is the quality and depth of the bunkering that makes the real difference. These are a different class. If you’re in a bunker now, you are penalised and that is the way golf should be played.

“It’s made a massive difference to the sixth and eighth holes. Visually, the sixth is brilliant and on eight it’s changed the whole completely.

“It’s a more strategic course now. You have to really think about how you’re going to play each hole and each shot.”

His sentiments were echoed by other members including Russell Hardwick, who plays off a handicap of 26.

“I really enjoyed the front nine. It looks fantastic,” he said. “Certainly hole eight is challenging.

“It’s very playable. The course has been enhanced no question about it, and I prefer it now.”

Vince Murphy (12 hcp) concurred, adding: “I think the changes are absolutely fantastic.

“The eighth hole is stunning. You can’t see the green for the second shot so you have to do it all by yardage, which is brilliant.

Slough Observer:

“The way it’s all finished off , with the grass on top of the bunkers is excellent. It certainly enhances the course.

“It’s become a different golf course, far better than it was previously, and I’m quite excited about the work to be carried out on the remaining holes.”

David Pitt (18 hcp) said: “It’s excellent, it feels like a new nine.”

Allan Gibbons (20hcp) added: "I think it's transformed the front nine, it looks brilliant. I think the changes make eight a fantastic hole."

Andy Smith, who plays off a 21 handicap, opined: "I think it has turned what used to be the worst feature of the club into one of the best. The bunkers used to let down the course, but now they are outstanding.

"The eighth used to be a fairly benign hole, but it's now a real test and makes the closing three holes of the front nine really challenging and difficult."

Lady members at the club were also enthusiastic about the changes to the bunkers.

Jill Dodds (12 hcp) said: "I think it looks much better and the sand is a fantastic improvement. Overall I think the changes have improved the course massively. It is more difficult but also more enjoyable.

Judy Fitch, who plays off 17, added: “It looks very pleasing to the eye and it’s incredibly challenging. The ninth is particularly difficult when you’re coming up and driving through the two new bunkers on the bridge of the hill.

"There are subtle changes but it’s just a case of getting used to a new course. Overall, it’s very positive.”

Lady captain Julie Cunnah, who plays off 27, said: “It looks beautiful. The position of the bunkers and the rough means we all have to hone our course-management skills. I’m thinking carefully about what club to use to avoid trouble.

"Aesthetically, each hole has improved. The course is challenging but fair if you think it through. It’s a good mental workout too.

"I’m already excited about the transformation of 10 to 18 next year.”

The work on the opening nine Colt holes was part of a seven-figure facelift of Stoke Park’s 27 holes, which were created by legendary designer, Harry Colt, in 1908.