The Point at Polzeath Golf Club offers the newest golfing experience in Cornwall, having been transformed over the past decade into one of the leading parkland golf courses in the Duchy.
Situated above the Camel Estuary, the course boasts views cross Hayle Bay and Pentire Point on one side, with the north Cornwall countryside on the other. The 18 hole, par of 72, course stretches to approximately 6,300 yards from the back tees and was a recent host venue of the renowned Cornish Festival. Initially designed by Ryder Cupper and broadcaster Dave Feherty, the club has gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to huge investment and a rebrand under its current ownership.
Designed to challenge golfers of all levels, the course features strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and well-maintained fairways and greens. On a recent visit by our team, the maintenance of the course was a rival to that of its World top 100 neighbour St Enodoc!
Many courses have some fantastic holes but are let down by elements of repetition, this is certainly not the case at The Point. Each hole is unique in design and self-contained with no crossovers, making the course interesting and diverse in its layout, also very helpful for the pace of play on busy days!
There is a gentle start to the proceedings with a straightaway, sub 500 yard par 5. This is followed by a run of sub 400 yard par 4’s which twist and wind over the natural landscape. The par 3 5th is perhaps where the standard really steps up. Not the longest of holes, but the green complex means a 2 putt par is something not to be sniffed at! This followed by a long par 5 which twists around a stonewall before dropping into a small green tucked into the line of trees which follow you all the way down the left from your teeing position.
The front 9 culminates in a climb to a raised green in front of the clubhouse, before you turn at 10 into the most undulating part of the course. A risk-reward, doglegging drop whole kicks off the back 9, which has surely been the make or break point of many a round. 11 & 12 are solid holes and demand solid shotmaking, whilst 13 is a classic risk-reward short par 4. Bank on the left, no hope to the right. The play is probably an iron to the tight fairway… but what’s the fun in that?!
Index 1 14 is probably the feature hold of the course, but also the lowest lying. Extensive drainage improvements should mean this hole plays fantastically year round!
A scoreable finishing stretch with 2 par 5’s bookending the shortest hole on the course. A fiddly 100-yard-plus-change drop hole which each day surely yields birdies, pars and many less savory numbers, especially if you go long.
The round ends with a short uphill par 4 back to the clubhouse. Whilst not the toughest hole, it certainly plays longer than it’s yardage and with the bar terrace overlooking, it’s almost certainly played host to some great scenes for members and visiting societies over the years!
Of site, The Point boasts comprehensive facilities, including a 14-bay covered driving range, a putting green, and a chipping zone, allowing practice in all weather conditions. Golfers can also hire one of the 12 buggies available and whilst use in winter is unlikely, the course’s excellent drainage, even now on some of the lower-lying holes, means their use is highly likely throughout the main season.
The proximity to other renowned courses such as Bowood Park, Lanhydrock, St Enodoc, Trevose, and for those willing to make the drive (it’s worth it!), Perranporth Golf Club, makes The Point an excellent base for exploring Cornwall’s rich golfing landscape. The course itself certainly holds its own in the region, despite the high level of local company.
After a round of golf, players can relax in the clubhouse, which features a restaurant with a fast-growing reputation and a contemporary terrace bar offering a great golfers menu and a range of beverages. The Point has earned accolades during the past decade, including being featured in The Sunday Times’ “Britain’s Top Golf Hotels”.
A venue you must visit.
