| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1984 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2011-01-16 |
182,367,220 bytes |
72 |
7344 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
PARKLAND |
Bardgate House_locked.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
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CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Fictional, estate course |
Location
Central England – the readme suggests Leicestershire |
Conditions
Playable on F*/F*, although moving down to M*/M* might spare some sanity. |
Concept 6/10
The surroundings are certainly typical of a lush country estate and the glorious clubhouse complex stands - like a brooding manor house - intimidatingly over the layout. The whole thing is woven through with Paul's clever design and eye for detail that cleverly fades into a seamless background. The big issue I have with this course is that it just doesn't feel like a British design. The holes are far too fiddly and clever and feel long, especially with the liberal use of ponds as hazards. I can't help feeling it most resembles Riviera - a magnificent course itself, but one that doesn't take well to a transatlantic voyage. |
Appearance 10/10
Hard to find anything to fault here - the buildings are a particular highlight, and lord-knows how many hours must have gone into the creation of the expansive clubhouse and the folly seen in the screenshot. The legions of bunkers are very sweet too, with (I think) at least four textures nested well. The long grass and tree planting are restrained and perfectly-fitting, and the course fences - often problematic - fit the estate-land well. Flawless. |
Playability 8/10
Although the course presents 18 individualised and unique challenges, with the sweeping elevations and water being particular hazards, it does feel a little disjointed, especially given the variety of hole types that are being crammed in. Something a bit more gentle wouldn't be unreasonable for this environment. If picture-perfect golf is hardly your thing, though, then there's a fine test of targeting and course management; we wouldn't expect anything less! |
Challenge 6/10
The Par 4 1st hole is the toughest opener we've seen since Burn's Old Links, and it wouldn't be erroneous to say it even surpasses Burns 1 in terms of sheer difficulty. Despite occasional moments of sadism such as this one, the course plays very close to par as long as you avoid the really thick stuff. But if you drop a handful of strokes at the first, don't expect to negate them in short order! |
Technical 9/10
Another awesome piece of landscaping from Paul, and right up there with his best as far as planting, textures and 3D work go. I'm disappointed in the contrived over-use of water, though: this is a course that really doesn't need it, and perhaps a clearer goal would help. |
| Overall |
Nice course, wrong location. Or vice versa, if you prefer. |
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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