Eleven years ago I wrote Weymouth was a disappointing course and I still feel the same today. It starts with the mowing lines and the wavy pattern they choose to cut the fairways. Between hitting a good shot and finding the rough or hitting the fairway and being blocked out by a tree, the course possesses a maddening amount of luck. The holes also dogleg in an awkward manner. Toss in a few ridiculous OB stakes where the housing has encroached at the risk of being dangerous, and one can’t help but sigh. Thankfully the greens are really good and provide thoughtful targets.
Weymouth was designed in 1969 by Geoffrey Cornish. Coming from the Stanley Thompson lineage, Cornish understood how slope and tilt could challenge golfers. His large putting surfaces have multiple pitches separating the green into various sections. They’re all contained in a three to five point mounding system. Several greens have handles, or narrow pinnable areas, that make for a testy pin positions.
(The 196/185/176 yard par three seventh shows how the lack of short grass makes this a hit it or else proposition. The green is not particularly wide so it’s an elusive target.)
(The 514/504/484 yard par five eighth doglegs right around a copse of trees and the equipment barn…
…the prudent play is a layup but the long hitter has a large green to attack. Water short and three bunkers protect it from being an easy birdie.)
(The 192/183/156 yard par three twelth is all carry over water. Not too many options so taking an extra club will keep a big number away.)
Cornish reminds me of Jack Kidwell. Both men were budget conscious and did everything they could to design an efficient and sustainable golf course. The way Cornish designed greens; the way he limited the amount of maintained short grass; and the way one bunker provides all the challenge; Everything helps the course be more profitable. Weymouth still has a countryside vibe to it which allows it thrive as a private course. The back tees are over 7000 yards and sets up well for various qualifiers. I’m reluctant to nudge it up one from my original rating so I’m sticking a 3 (average)(worth driving 15-30 minutes to play).
(The 420/405/390 yard par four sixteenth tees off at an angle, begging the golfer to turn the ball over and climb the hill. The shortcut left looks inviting, but failure to carry the yardage will leave you blocked out.)
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