Elevation changes are a feature of Woodmead’s topography which has resulted in the par 5s being most affected by some severely undulating terrain. They are a characterful quartet of superb holes which require skilful play and course management to conquer. 16 and 18 are both long holes played uphill so golfers will face the consequences of an indifferent drive or second shot. 18 is particularly testing as the green resembles one of those steep Majuba holes on the KZN South Coast where only the top half of the flag is visible from the fairway below. And the green, bunkered front and right, is not only an exactingly narrow target but slopes in subtle tiers from back to green. I’m not fond of an uphill finish, but this is a well-designed hole with plenty of options. Another par 5, No 6, is downhill for the tee shot and uphill for the second half. It lies alongside the interesting par-5 third, heading in the opposite direction, which gives golfers pause for thought after their drive. The hazards ahead here are splendidly positioned for risk-and-reward shots. Water in the lowest dip and cross-bunker further on an awkward distance from the green. Each par 5 is blessed with cleverly created greens complexes in keeping with the rest of the course.
