There are three loops to Stoke Park, namely Alison, Colt and Jackson numbered 1-27 and providing quite a contrast at this course situated on the fringe of the Chiltern Hills.

Stoke Park has something missing, something many of us golfers will be secretly pleased about, it has no heather! In itself, that is unusual for this part of the country, but it doesn't lessen the appeal of this famous old club.

It is a parkland course with a number of very mature trees bordering the wide open fairways. If that sounds easy then it is slightly misleading, because accuracy is needed to ensure that your next shot is not blocked out by one of these trees and when you do reach the green, you will find a number of devious and subtle borrows that we found difficult to read.

Our view was that the par three 7th over water was a first class short hole, but in truth there could have been several others. Even more famous than the course however, is the magnificent mansion clubhouse which has a royal and palatial feel about it.

Definitely worth a visit for the clubhouse alone!