'STEEP HOLM'
Par 4, 515 Yards, SI 7
Named after the Carboniferous Limestone Island which lies in the middle of the Bristol Channel and is often used as a driving line from the tee. The island is protected as a nature reserve and an SSSI. The Island is the only site in the UK on which wild peonies grow.
The hole was originally proposed by Colt in 1913 and again in 1925 by Colt and Alison but did not get completed until 1936 twenty three years after it was first conceived due to the First World War and the large cost of creating a long hole out of the shoreline wilderness. The previous hole which had been in existence since 1901 was a long 456 yard hole which ran from beside the 3rd green back up what is now the 15th hole to a green in a hollow behind the current 5th tee.
Pro Tip
“On a clear day this tee offers spectacular views over the Bristol Channel to Minehead and the Quantock Hills to the west. On a clear day, Cardiff and the South Wales Coast with the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons beyond can be seen across the channel. The Island of Steep Holm in the middle of The Bristol Channel is a good aim point for the tee shot, but always better to favour the left side from the tee as a shot which is leaked to the right may be difficult to find in the dunes. Depending on the wind direction a good birdie opportunity for the bigger hitter on this slight dogleg to the right as the green is reachable with two good shots.”
