Round 21: Winchester Country Club is highly underrated.
Winchester Country Club was my 21st new course since this quest to play every course in the state began in June.
This place is outstanding. The weather was impeccable, the course was in fantastic shape, and I could play this spot every day. It’s so so good.
The par threes (first 3 pictures... 11TH hole not pictured) are exceptional and all different. Four different clubs, a requisite for a great set of short holes.
The walk around WCC felt familiar, that north East Donald Ross vibe. But what felt different was the openness. You could see a lot of the course from various spots. Greens perched and fairways carved all around. But it didn’t have the feeling that you were sharing holes, it still felt like every hole was its own experience.
The course is friendly off the tee, but it has some length, a few beastly par 4s. But some really tough, yet fair green complexes are what makes this place a joy to play. I got the full experience, catching the wrong side of ridges and having multiple comebackers from 4-6 feet. Not a single green felt quirky and gimmicky, at least for the pins I saw today.
Overall, the course is all there in front of you with options off a bunch of tees (driver, 3wood, hybrid). The second shots have to be accurate and thoughtful.
It blows my mind how WCC isn’t on more lists of top courses in the state. Highly underrated in that sense. Don’t turn down a chance to play here.
THE FACTS
Date: September 23
Tee TIme: 8:10am
Playing Partner: Dave, Ryan, and Connor
Tees: Blue Tees (6772 yards)
Game: Best Ball Member-Guest
Score: 77
Birdie Count: 1 (26 total)