#67 Blackwell

Architect: Tom Simpson & Herbert Fowler

So this is going to be an interesting one. I want to write about the course but I can’t ignore the reason I was there. Cookie Jar Golf have been doing a stellar job of highlighting golf club history, architecture and tales since January 2020 (their first podcast). They have been a unique differentiator in the world of golf content and their cinematic approach to our links has garnered a plethora of (woke) supporters. Many of whom gathered at Blackwell Golf Club near Bromsgrove on Sunday 13th June.

I have been very fortunate to have engaged with the Cookie Jar boys a number of times over the last 18 months. Back and forth on Instagram and Twitter, muttering about course set ups, PGA tour winners and general woke attitudes. The lads have been incredible with their engagement and to receive an invite to their inaugural mixer was, to be honest, a privilege.

I have no problem waking up early for golf (I know all of you can say the same), so a 5am wake-up was child’s play. A friend was accompanying me, who I have been informally coaching over the last year or so. It was going to be his first day on the best and toughest golf course he had ever played. A brave call but big respect. The 2-hour journey was underway and thanks to cruise control it was too straightforward. Our destination had arrived – single-straps and long socks as far as the eye could see.

From the moment we stepped out the car, I noticed that the site was immaculate. The greens were glistening – evening at 8 O’clock in the morning. What’s more, we had the course to ourselves, the boys had bought the course for the day – how lucky we were. Breakfast was beckoning, but first, we were handed a locker key and told to proceed down the long corridor, adorned with images of golf happenings from a bygone era, toward the stable-block changing rooms. I’ve already highlighted Cookie Jar’s generosity but what lay beyond locker No.3 was pretty special. For my playing partner and I: A logoed and initialed water bottle, Western Birch tees and 2 sleeves of TP5s. The definition of gracious hospitality.

It was such a bizarre circumstance, to be in a room with 50 other golf ‘sickos’, most of whom you’d spent the last year bantering and rallying with. You might have recognized a few faces, but our Instagram’s are predominantly littered with green sites, tee boxes and, for a select few, hickories. Instagram-handle name badges would have been a god-send. However, it was a delight to sit and eat our continental breakfast surrounded by woke-golf’s who’s who. And those we did know, shared our nervous and excitable anticipation for what was going to be the best day of golf I have ever had.

36 holes. Morning Fourball-Betterball. Afternoon Eight-somes Foursomes. Yes … Eight-somes Foursomes. 8 players on one hole with four balls in play. A fun day indeed. What I haven’t yet mentioned is that we were playing the course after Blackwell’s Club Championships. Those shiny greens I mentioned … Yeh, they were quick. Slick to the touch. Oh this was going to be good.

10th tee start at 10 O’clock. Our symmetrical tee time extended to a stellar duo of equal ability and class. Mr Sam Allison, fellow RACDG member, and Mr Jasper Miners from Evalu18. The tenth tee is some start, the fairway is dissected at multiple opportunities by swathes of scalloped bunkers – a gift by Frank Pont and his Infinite Variety Golf Design firm. Our drives were away and of course I took the Tiger-Line, hugging the trees down the left and leaving myself a flick wedge which I proceeded to blade long thanks to a tree root. A tough start but my golf got better and better throughout the round.

Whenever I play a new course, bogey-golf isn’t the worst thing. There were plenty enough pars in there and even a birdie or two – I didn’t embarrass myself which was the main thing, and neither did Andy, my partner. Off 24 and playing alongside single figure handicaps, on a Top 100 English course, the day after a Club Championships … I mean, it spells carnage. But Andy did himself, and me, proud. A number of pars, and back to back pars on the difficult 17th and 18th was the highlight. I don’t need to speak for him when I say he thoroughly enjoyed his day. A decent showing of 34 points and lunch was ready.

Again, Sam, Tom and Bruce knocked it out the park – Hog Roast, Live Music and Beer. Oh and I don’t want to forget the Pimms at half-way. Like Rocket-Fuel this stuff. I don’t think the young lad had ever made up a jug before but that was fine by me, and many others by the looks of things! Lunch was spectacular and it was great to spend time with new faces. We had the pleasure of meeting Cleeve Hill’s new owners and thanked them for their intervention. I am yet to swing a golf club on ‘the hill’ but a journey west is calling me.

The afternoon was an interesting prospect. More golf is only a good thing, but that sun … 26 degrees and sticky. But you couldn’t complain – you may not get this opportunity again. And as I write, it is raining with no sign of letting up – gotta love the British Summer. Our post meridian contingent was more than pleasant and I wish I could remember the rest of our Eight-some, but the sun and the fatigue well and truly set in that afternoon. However, I do remember two fine gentlemen we had the honour of playing alongside. The eventually winners – Andy Hall and Michael Verity. I know Andy well from his Heathland Blog and our Woking outings and it turns out Mr Verity is a member of my junior club, Burnham Beeches. It was therefore, great to delve into the recent affairs at BBGC and continue a multitude of golf conversations with the chaps.

The back-nine that afternoon was a struggle but we were salivating with anticipation for our curry, which was delectable. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from the boys. How they are going to top next year, I don’t know. I can only hope I stay on their list.

I actually haven’t spoken about the course as much as I wanted. Blackwell blew my (long) socks off. The best parkland course I have ever played. I came in with muted expectations due to my recent heathland and links outings. Parkland often struggles to live up to the hard and fast and aesthetically delightful designs of alternative genres. But the recent bunkering by Mr Pont has created a captivating framework. Fairways are undulating and sinuous – idyllic green carpets.

Whether it’s with Sam, Tom or Bruce or some other golf nutter, I hope that my next visit to Blackwell isn’t too far away. You boys have a fantastic club and are right to be proud. Thank you for a sensational day.