Wyncote Golf Club

Very scenic course that is in fantastic shape. Tees, fairways, rough, greens are immaculate. Bunkers were not fluffy but it’s a links style layout, those bunkers aren’t supposed to be, but they are consistent and very playable. I really enjoyed this course. It measures out over 7200 yards and today it played all of it and then some. Make sure to pay attention to the winds, there isn’t much to divert it out here so make sure you are factoring it in when you select your club.
Thanks to Charlie for informing all groups the outing that was on course was behind schedule and hurrying them up to get regular play going.

Great lunch in a great atmosphere

I’m torn.
Facilities: Nice clubhouse. Pro shop is large enough with a decent selection of gear. Cashier was nice enough. He helped a group in line in front of me tee off earlier, so that’s nice (more on that later, though). There’s a nice restaurant also, with a full bar and all that good stuff. There’s a huge practice green and a decent range.
First tee: I played on a Saturday afternoon in June. And not just any Saturday afternoon in June, but Father’s Day weekend and also US Open weekend. So obviously, it was going to be a parking lot. But I was surprised when I got to the first tee that there were about 14 carts waiting in line and no starter. Thankfully, we were all cool people and figured out who went when on our own. Though I have to note that they booked two foursomes for the 2:22 time. An honest mistake, I’m sure. Oh, and that group of guys that the pro shop guy let go sooner? Well, now I know why — no starter, so what’s the difference?
Course: Pretty great. One note — i’s not links like everyone says. It’s heathlands. Google it. Basically, you can shoot a nice low number if you hit it straight. Go a little astray and you’ll still shoot well. Go a lot astray and you’ll need to hope you packed your graphing calculator. Greens appear to be undulating, but basically don’t break. Just hit putts straight and you’re generally in good shape. They were also slow the day I played, but I’m guessing that was an attempt to speed up play. Which reminds me, not a single ranger all day. Which is fine, if everyone’s moving along. But as my round took just shy of 5 ½ hours, a ranger would have been handy. The course is in immaculate condition, which is a huge plus. There was a cart girl, whom I saw once. When I asked for a few beers, she told me she was ‘all out.’ I told her really nicely to go back to the clubhouse. Not for me, but for her sake. If the round’s gonna last all day, people want to at least have a tasty cold one. Or six.
Overall: I really liked this course. It reminded me of a course I used to play back home in Michigan (Calderone). The lack of starter and ranger was a bit annoying. I mean, hey, I get it. The golf industry is tough right now, and courses are cutting costs every way possible. But certain things are just un-​cuttable in my mind. Especially on a day when you know you’ll be packed (or should know). I have a huge issue with slow golf, so my scoring wasn’t awesome. But I’d love to have another shot at Wyncote. I’d just prefer more speed — faster greens, faster play, and a cart girl who has beer.

The Ball and Thistle Pub is Oxford’s undiscovered gem. Chef Scott Hart is fantastic and extremely talented, his food is nothing short of edgy and delicious.

Scenic course.

In my humble opinion, Wyncote is by far the most challenging and no nonsense, no gimmick golf course in the area. Yes, it is more expensive…$ 49.00 weekdays and $ 79.00 weekends, but trust me, if you are a mid to low handicap golfer it is more than worth the price.
Both the outgoing and incoming nines begin and end with par-​5 holes. The first and 10^th holes share a green and the fairways are divided by a lake, which represents most of the water that comes into play on the course. Many of the fairways are shaped and defined with mounded bunkers and moguls. And while few trees come into play, if you stray too far from the fairway you can get into some very wiry and high grass (heather) or go out of bounds. The greens don’t have a lot of severe undulation, but they are small, hard and fast and provide more than enough putting challenge for even the most seasoned golfer.
The first hole is one of those openers that can yield a birdie, but with water short and left you can also post a less attractive number to begin your round. It also happens to be my favorite. A big tee shot can give the longer hitter a chance to go for the green in two. The more prudent will lay up, but the closer you get to the green, the narrower the fairway. Lay back too far and you can bring a couple of fairway bunkers into play. This an indication of the kind of decisions you’ll have to make all day. While it has it’s share of «grip-​it-​and-​rip» type holes, there are many that require a more thoughtful approach.
The course provides all the accoutrements of a «country club for a day» experience. It has plenty of practice facilities, friendly greeters at the bag drop, informed starters and a well-​appointed clubhouse and pro shop.