'CHURCH'
Par 4, 417 Yards, SI 12
Named for obvious reasons due to its close proximity to the Berrow Parish Church, St.Mary’s. There has been a church on this site since before AD 1000. In 1790 the Berrow Church was close to the high water mark.
The golf course first reached the church when it was first extended to 18 holes in 1897. The course was extended past the church in 1901 creating one of the most renowned holes on the course, the Church hole which was played to the east of the church and at this time was the 10th.
After the 1910 extension it was played as the 13th hole. It then became the 12th when the previous 12th hole which seemed to be squeezed in just to make up the numbers was abolished. This hole remained in play until 1978.
As early as 1947 Alison was asked to provide sketches with holes west of the church. The 12th hole could not be played on Sundays or when there was a wedding or funeral service at the church. In 1924 a new Sunday 12th green was completed.
Proposals to divert the course west of the church were approved in 1972 along with the construction of the Channel course. The existing hole, originally designed as a par 3 to be played from the top of the dune by the reservoir to the current green, opened for play in 1978.
The hole was most recently updated in 2022 by Martin Ebert.
Pro Tip
“‘The Church Hole’. Another tough Par 4. The longest drivers may need to be aware of the fairway bunker on the left. An accurate second shot is required to find the elevated two-tier green. Unless playing a running shot anything landing short will not make it on the green which is guarded by a steep slope at the front.”
