| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1962 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2010-09-03 |
70,129,172 bytes |
72 |
7243 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
PARKLAND |
AckertonCross.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| |
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|
CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Fictional, marshland course. |
Location
The readme suggests Central England – Warwickshire or Leicestershire. |
Conditions
Playable on F*/F*, but some difficult slopes make M*/M* a better option. |
Concept 7/10
With a terrific backstory, and an almost unequalled portrayal of English grassland, Ackerton Cross is a thoroughly realistic and
convincing creation. To a point. The fact that it is a bunker-free course is a bit of a gimmick, but one that is carried off reasonably well,
although there is a lot of licence taken with water hazards and OBs in the absence of sand traps. But the trappings of an authentic course are present, and very convincing indeed. |
Appearance 9/10
Wow. The planting and textures combine perfectly to make this one of the most lifelike environments we have seen in a fictional
courses. Things such as fences, pylons and the very British industry-scape on the panorama are all judged to perfection. The
watersides are, for the most part, covered up very well, but there were just a few that betrayed a hard edge between the water and
bordering grass. |
Playability 8/10
It has to be said that it's difficult to notice the absence of bunkers on the first play, such is the variety of challenges and engaging target
golf that the course presents you. The designer has done well to put the trademark hole on the halfway point, and just ease up slightly
on the challenge throughout the back nine, just when it feels like the course is getting on top of you. Excellent atmospherics and plenty
to enjoy in the view are an additional blessing. On later consideration, though, you are very reliant on getting perfect fairway and green
position on certain holes, which isn't quite the draw it could be. |
Challenge 6/10
With no bunkers, there's a lot put behind the multitude of water features, and frankly the greens are ramped up to silly levels in parts.
Playing with strong wind conditions or fast greens is almost certainly going to be a one-track route to a score in the 80s.Thankfully,
sensible play and sensible conditions will result in a course that is hard, but not too hard. |
Technical 9/10
There's absolutely no doubt, on the basis of Ackerton Cross, that Lez's visual talents are right up there with the very best. But it's also
evidence that he needs to 'shoot-or-bust' when it comes to some golfing excesses: either tone down his courses a little, or throw
caution to the wind and produce a flat-out imaginary course. |
| Overall |
A beautiful-looking course, but one which almost certainly would have been better
without its own gimmick. |
39/50 |
Please remember that Clipnote reviews are the opinion of one person and do not constitute an 'Official' Links Corner review of the course. |
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