Flyovers

Any golf course that opens with a Par 3 provides a tough start for golfers – and Baxenden is no different. Measuring 199 Yards at its longest point, the first hole has out of bounds left and requires a well struck shot to make the green in regulation. 

A tough challenge awaits at the uphill Par 5 second where two big blows are needed to get anywhere near the putting surface. 

Without any doubt, the third hole is the signature hole. A classic hit or miss par 3, the third is rarely more than a short iron for most but if the green then it is either in deep rough, or it has found a bunker. 

 The fourth offers long-hitters the chance to risk it and attempt driving the green but a tight out of bounds fence must not be ignored. 

 A blind tee-shot awaits players on the fifth, a downhill Par 4 of just under 360 Yards. A wickedly contoured green makes a two-putt a good result more often than not. 

What goes up must come down and after playing the fifth, the sixth runs parallel in the opposite direction. Despite the approach shot usually only being around 80 Yards, the green is very well protected. 

The seventh plays as a par four first time round and a par five on the back nine and both times it puts a premium on power and precision. 

 Players must be careful when playing their tee-shot on the eighth as a water hazard splits the fairway in two and catches out careless drives. 

If someone gets to the ninth tee with a score going then there’s still plenty of danger lurking. A water hazard and the car-park lie left of the fairway and accuracy is key on the closing hole.