Tee shots are demanding here, with narrow landing areas and cambered fairways. You start with a downhill 5 to a narrow greens complex. A sign of things to come. The par-3 eighth is a beautifully framed hole, and I was lucky enough to see a trumpeter hornbill around the tee box. No 10 is a strong 5 from an elevated tee above and behind the clubhouse. The downhill 11th is a “hole-in-one machine” at around 80 to 105 metres. Belmont members often hit it close or hole out. Warren Henry has aced it three times. The 18th is a reachable 5 to an elevated green. Greens complexes are well presented and roll true, but are challenging. Sometimes unplayable in dry conditions, with extreme run off, something the club is looking to address by flattening out certain greens. The Belmont needs to be played a few times to know the best lines. But once you get its nuances you will enjoy the challenge.
