If you’ve never played De Bell GC but only looked at the scorecard, you would probably consider it more of an executive then a regulation course. However, despite its feeble 5631 yardage from the blues, the course is a challenging test of golf. It features a large variety of holes with severe doglegs, mature trees, narrow fairways, undulating greens, well-positioned sand traps, many elevation changes, and plenty of great views.
Be warned although, De Bell is hardcore TARGET golf, where you will often have to lay back off the tee with a mid-iron or be required to shape a drive to stay inbounds. Myself being a big hitter, find many of the holes incredibly frustrating because they do not allow me to do what I do best. Instead they force me to rely on other aspects of my game such as, iron shots and chipping, which raise my scores but make me a better player in the process.
As for the playing conditions, NOT GOOD - The greens were fast and smooth but the rest of the course was definitely feeling the effects of this year’s cold winter. All the fairways and areas of rough were thin and at times badly damaged by divots. The tee boxes were horrible with most of them being thin, not level and often loaded with divot damage. Even the sand traps were in bad shape as many were very firm and contained poor quality sand. The only bright spot with exception to the greens was the swift pace of play.
Overall, despite the lackluster playing conditions, the course is completely worth the green fee. De Bell offers a very unique experience that is a breath of fresh air. In the summer when playing conditions are improved, this course will be a steal.
