Hole 7 "Park View"

The first of the three short holes, its name emphasising the closeness of this part of the Haughs to the town; a decent drive from greenside likely to reach the playing field of the school which shares the same name. This shot, however, across the river, the park, the town by-pass, is not recommended. Yet the proximity is not reflected in the peaceful ambience: the Wear provides a formidable barrier, the only non-golfers, even on the busiest Bank Holiday, the occasional Angling Club member scouring its banks for a better beat. Two enormous beech trees provide an attractive backdrop while a grass bund to the right gives greenside flood protection, though most members are relieved that the original design with a small lake in front of the green was never implemented. The length of the hole varies considerably, dependant on wind direction and pin position. If you must try a bunker, go right, as both on the left, harbour tricky lies, with the ever present risk of skimming across the green into the riverbank.