The opening was a spectacular affair with Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Isao Aoki and the reigning ping g20 driver Open champion Bill Rogers playing an exhibition match. Look out for some risk and reward tactics, especially during the first two days, when Ryder Cup matches reach the tenth hole. They always say at major events that the pressure doesn’t start until the back nine on the final day.
With the Ryder Cup every day’s a final day and at the intimidating yet fascinatiing tenth hole to get your strike in first can be crucial. Today the 33-bedroom hotel, which has a Japanese, as well as a traditional Sands restaurant, has an indoor pool and gymnasium, indoor tennis courts and provides a luxury discount golf gateway to local pubs and antique shops in nearby Liphook.
Naturally, being sheltered in the trees, some of the greens taylormade r11 irons were on the soft side, but they will hold well struck shots from fairways and tees that are well looked after.
