Your introduction to the Blue course at the Berkshire is a Par 3; a nice gentle loosener in preparation for the round. Only there is nothing gentle about this hole. Over 200 yards long with virtually all carry (if you go for the pin) over heather and a deep valley. It is actually a wonderful hole and one of many that you will struggle to fault during this very challenging and enjoyable 18 holes.

It is difficult to know whether the Blue is better than the Red course, both have their individual features and play over natural hazards with the Blue being played on flatter ground. The closing 5 holes are long par 4's; 3 of them over 400 yards and whilst in some ways they compensate for the relatively short par 5's, it is a tough finish in anyone's book.

Whatever the merits of the Blue against the Red, The Berkshire is the place to play 36 holes and not even the two courses at Sunningdale can compare to the combined quality of these two.