Came Down - "Birthplace of the Ryder Cup"

This course takes his place in Ryder Cup history as Samuel Ryder used to holiday in Weymouth and later became a member at Came Down. It was hearing about the struggles of local players against well-backed Americans that sowed the seed (see what I did there?) for a contest to be set up between the two nations.

You can read more about it here http://www.camedowngolfclub.co.uk/page.aspx?pid=14095 if you so wish.

This course also has place in Kylies on Tour history as it's where Bruce first played, back when the old King was still on the throne*. He was given some clubs by an old geezer just finishing a round and while Bruce is drifting towards old geezerdom himself he didn't feel like giving his clubs away after a 27 point round in 2013.

The course was founded in 1896 and the current layout was designed by Harry Shapland Colt who also was involved with the likes of Muirield, St Andrew's, Wentworth and Sunningdale. It's 5,903 yards off the yellows and there is no water on the course and fewer than 40 bunkers. The greens are tricky though and judging pace and direction is not straightforward.

The front nine is undulating. The first (Casterbridge) falls sharply away from you and the fifth (Valley) works its way back upwards. The long par 3 sixth (Westward Ho) is played over and across the fifth.

The back nine is mostly flatter and has back to back par 5s at 13 and 14. The sixteenth tee provides views over Weymouth and out to Portland, while the 17th (Polly's Pit) is a driveable par four but watch out for the pit to the right.

The course wasn't quite in such good nick in 2014 after clearly taking a lot of rain. Some greens were much slower than others so it was a tough putting day for some and it was a rainjackets on and off sort of afternoon for half a dozen holes. There was still some good scoring though with four players getting 33 or more points.  

Best scores

37 points - Kevin (off 9) 2013
36 points - Ben W (off 10) 2014
35 points - Kevin (off 10) 2014
34 points - Matthew (off 14) 2013
34 points - Simon (off 21) 2014


All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable challenge. Anything else you'd like to add?

*Only joking Bruce!