A CLUB celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Waltham Windmill is gaining a reputation around the county as a challenging and picturesque course.
The 18-hole parkland layout has many water features waiting to greet the wayward shot. Otherwise the well-manicured lakes and ponds provide pleasant views.
Many holes have out of bounds down one side so a degree of course management is required.
After a straightforward par four opener, the second, a 375-yard par four, stroke index four, is a severe test. With out of bounds to the left, trees to the right and bunkers straight ahead, an accurate drive is essential.
A stream in front of the green has been expanded into a small pond, revetted with sleepers, putting extra stress on the approach to a two-tier green which also has a lake behind.
The fifth hole is  daunting off the medal tee. This 211-yard par three has a large lake stretching away in front of the tee and a dyke behind the green. The putting surface is narrow and sloping and protected by two large bunkers which gather any shot slightly off line. Here, a three can easily become a five –  or much worse.
The sixth, a par five of over 500 yards, has a new medal tee which presents the golfer with a long opening shot to clear a lake.
The ninth, a short par three into the prevailing wind, can again be tricky with correct club selection vital to avoid dropping into the two bunkers at the front, one of which is reminiscent of St Andrews and was positioned on the advice of former European Tour pro Jim Payne who helped plan the course.
Waltham’s Amen Corner comes from the 13th to the 15th, two par fives and a three with indexes three, 13 and one.
The 13th, at 517-yards, is a sharp dogleg right with a large lake positioned to take a pushed or sliced tee shot. The green is two-tier and can have some interesting pin positions.
The 14th, 185-yards off the whites, has a large lake in front of the green and a ditch behind it. Club selection is therefore all-important.
The 15th, at 561-yards one of the longest in the area, has a lake in front of the green which invariably forces a lay-up before a short approach to a sloping green which has a ‘hidden’ bunker and another lake behind.
And Waltham has a tough last hole, a 412-yard par four into the prevailing wind which requires two big hits to get home in regulation.
The lakes and ponds are maturing well and attract a very wide variety of wild fowl, including some majestic swans, which can be admired in flight and on the water.

DETAILS

TELEPHONE: 01472 824109.
ESTABLISHED: 1997.
MEMBERSHIP: 700.
PROFESSIONAL: Mark Stephenson
SECRETARY: Ivor Williams
LOCATION: Cheapside, Waltham, Grimsby (one mile off A16 Grimsby to Louth road).
TYPE OF COURSE: Parkland.
YARDAGES: White 6,430, yellow 6,058, red 5,444.
Par: 71 (ladies 72).
GREEN FEES: Weekday £26. Weekend £32.
PRO RECORD: Paul Bagshaw 66.
AMATEUR RECORD: Will Burkitt 68.
SOCIETY DETAILS:  Monday to Friday, minimum of 12.
IMPROVEMENTS UNDERTAKEN OR PLANNED:  New trees, bushes and shrubs planted.
OFFERS FOR VISITORS IN SUMMER/WINTER 2007/8: Society rates for summer: £20 (18 holes) £24 (27 holes) £27 (36 holes).
LADIES CHAMPION: Holly Clyburn.
MEN’S CHAMPION: Will Burkitt.