SITUATED in an area of outstanding natural beauty bordering Hubbards Hills, Louth Golf Club offers a challenging 6,411-yard parkland course.
Complemented by a period clubhouse, putting green and practice areas, Louth provides excellent facilities for both members and visiting golfers.
The design of the course is physically and technically challenging, while at the same time, a delight to play. It is suitable for both average and low handicap players.
Louth starts tough and seldom eases off during the round with players reminded that they are in the scenic Lincolnshire Wolds as they march uphill and down.
An uphill par four with a hidden green, difficult to hit in two, is followed by a downhill par four where a tee shot to the right is necessary to open up what is a deceptively sloping green.
The remodelled short, par four third (260-yards) requires a well-placed tee shot  to avoid being blocked out while the par five fourth has a green which slopes much more than expected.
Two short par fours bring the player to the Hubbards Hills escarpment where an uphill par three, 163 yards off the yellows, often sees the bemused golfer ending short of the green.
The eighth deserves its number two ranking. A 450-yard par four which, for the average player, requires two career shots to make the green. The long par three ninth goes downhill with a  large tree standing between tee and a narrow green.
The 540-yard uphill par five 10th seems a long, long hole while the stroke index one 11th needs a precise second shot to a raised green.
This is followed by what can be a nemesis hole for many. The par five 12th, stroke index three, is a dog leg right which has out of bounds on both sides off the tee.
Care has to be taken with all three shots to this hole with the green protected by OB on the right and a steep bank on the left.
Double figure scores are not unusual though an albatross was once recorded with two lusty blows.
Two par fours are followed by the shortest hole. This 138-yarder is well-guarded by bunkers, however.
A short par four and long par three with a hidden green bring the player to the par five 18th.
This dog legs left to the clubhouse and a straight drive will open up the hole. A second aimed at the church spire will leave what should be a short third shot. But beware, as even a ball pitched short can run to the back of the green.
A challenging and, hopefully, rewarding experience.

DETAILS

TELEPHONE: 01507 603681.
ESTABLISHED: 1965.
MEMBERSHIP: 600.
PROFESSIONAL: Nick Taylor.
SECRETARY: Simon Moody
LOCATION: Crowtree Lane, west side of Louth.
TYPE OF COURSE: Parkland.
YARDAGES: White, 6,411, yellow 6,200, red 5,673.
PAR: 72 (ladies 73).
GREEN FEES: Weekday £25 round/£30 day Weekend £30 round/£35 day.
PRO RECORD: Paul Streeter 66.
AMATEUR RECORD: Simon Moody, 68.
SOCIETY DETAILS: Welcome Monday to Friday and Sunday after 11am. No societies on Saturdays.
IMPROVEMENTS UNDERTAKEN OR PLANNED: Clubhouse completely refurbished. Tee and front greenside bunker on 15th redesigned. Bunker renovated on 10th, second tee rebuilt. Leylandi removal continues.
OFFERS FOR VISITORS IN SUMMER/WINTER 2007/8: Winter special November to March.  18 holes plus meal for £20. Society reductions 20 or more during the summer.
LADIES CHAMPION: Pam Shepherd
MEN’S CHAMPION: Colin Trestrail.
MEN’S CAPTAIN: Bryan Utteridge
LADIES’ CAPTAIN: Jo Partridge.