What a wonderful surprise at Strand to find beautiful manicured gardens and neat surroundings in front of the clubhouse. The course has seen a remarkable turnaround since my last visit. Thanks to recent rain the water flowing in the river is clean and without odour. Strong winds have felled a number of trees, so the second hole is more open on the right side. The bunker sand is a good texture and consistent, the tees in good shape, the greens look hollow-tined and are soft after being flooded by rain. However, not bad for putting. Most of the reeds in the water hazards have been removed and the water clear improving the aesthetics. The course is neat and tidy, the presentation excellent.