This is what sets Rick apart from virtually every other TH-cam golfer. He could have gone out there destroyed this course for the lack of quality, but he was careful to emphasize the upsides as well. And gifting those sets of clubs to the course was a class act. You are such a wonderful ambassador for the game, Rick. Please keep doing what you are doing and stay true to who you are!
Have you ever watched a @markcrossfield video mate? Rick is a nice guy but he's vanilla when it comes to informed golf information. Watch Mark crossfield if you actually want to learn about golf and improve!
I’ve watched mark for years and he does the same thing over and over again he lost all the decent people he worked with and his channel is on the way down unfortunately
Or, instead of giving them a couple of cheap sets that he himself gets for free, he could have donated the money he makes solely from this video. You have no idea what this guy is like off camera, trust me you would not believe it.
@@shanem861I’ve had the same experience with Mark’s channel, and I love him. But it feels really stale to me now. It seems rare that he collaborates with other TH-camrs now which strikes me as he’s rubbed people up the wrong way and ostracised himself potentially
I am pretty sure Jack and Arnie played at Pennington.. that's the rumor, and allegedly Arnie said Pennington was his favorite $6.50 golf course in that part of England
Rick it is really refreshing to see you doing a laid back, bouncy/jolly video like this. It feels like the good old days of your channel which is what got me hooked. As much as people love break 75 I feel it had made the channel quite serious at times. Things change and businesses grow so I’m not knocking you at all. But for me this is your best video this year and I would love to see more bouncy videos where the outcome does not matter. Especially seeing you happy and relaxed not frustrated
I'd argue these courses are actually beneficial to grow the game, where people who are new to golf can go mess around and now have to worry about price, etiquette, or skill level. Ultimately more access to affordable golf will grow the game which is great for everyone
I agree. I learned on cheap courses because that is what I can afford. I have played on some really nice courses and got spoiled. But I still play middle of the spectrum today since finances are a big factor in where I play.
At penny (as we locals call it) there is a practice bunker to the right side of the first fairway. We moved away 8 years ago, but I always played this before work (tee off at 6:30 or first light in winter, and paid on the way out) 3 times a week. I learned there at age 33 and its a special place to me. I have to admit, seems amazing Rick you haven't played there before, but now living abroad, it was wonderful to see it played by a pro and how respectful you were to the course and the great staff that work so hard. Thank Rick!
Pennington Flash holds a special place in my heart, even though it was always underfunded and a bit boggy-even in the summer. It was the first golf course I ever played on as a junior 25 years ago, and it sparked my love for the game. As a 13-year-old, I saved my paper round money to buy a sleeve of 3 golf balls and a round of golf at Pennington. I still remember the 4th hole when I bought a plastic bag full of lake balls from the locals fishing them out of the stream! Municipal courses like Pennington are the gateway to golf for those who might not have the money to play elsewhere. They provide access and opportunity to so many young and aspiring players like I once was. We need to cherish and preserve these places-they’re where golfers are born.
Reminds me, too, of the course, in the Texas Panhandle, I started on and learned on - only, this one is so much greener! Really, enjoyed this video and love the channel!!
New to Rick’s channel, this is top stuff. Honest review of the course without hyperbole, talking about the reality of their circumstances, and helping them out with the free rental clubs. Really lovely to see
Hi Rick, I actually run a council owned municipal golf course. I'm a golfer myself and with my team we have turned it around and now this year it's been amazing. I have one groundskeeper and one in training. With dedication and hard work it is possible to get these courses to thrive. I dare you to come and play our course! Get in touch!!
The best video you’ve done in ages. Your fairness and generosity are why I like you and videos like this are what keep me subscribed. You’re right, we need clubs like this, not only for access to all sorts of people, but also because they are often an opportunity to get some practice in where a “proper” golf course may not be readily available. I’m happy to have a round at a course like this and either not putt or not count the putts. The negative reviews don’t take into account the price!
rick, you should look at doing a series where you every few months you play a subscribers local course and rate the condition and difficulty, you could have a google form set up that will randomly select local courses that subscribers submit, think this would be really interesting, as i know people who's "local courses" are places like royal St George's and St Andrews, which are considerably nicer than mine and other peoples locals, could be an interesting video concept, maybe mix it in with break 75.
I live close to Rick, and we have so many courses close by. It’s great to watch him play courses that we can only dream of playing,but let’s get back to how he started by playing courses that were local to him , like Hart Common and Harwood.
@@pipedown7969 my point was to try and showcase lesser known, and worse, courses, he could obviously tailor it by making the goal score lower, or maybe playing against the local course pro with a handicap, to make it more exciting for viewership, idk.
I started golfing last summer and I live fairly local to this course so I started here. I always had a good time but there are some big issues I had as a brand new golfer here. The main thing is the random dog walkers and people walking. As a brand new golfer, my ball goes everywhere and people just walk out in front of you. The first day I went it was a very nice day and people were sun bathing on the first hole, close to where your first shot landed and on the 9th a family with some kids had a football net set up 50 yards from the hole. Nobody was policing them and I actually had to pick my ball up and place it the other side of these obstacles, especially the really young kids playing football with their parents. They need to police it somehow because it's very dangerous for the sort of people that would play here. General public treat it like a park, not a golf course.
What you did was awesome! These courses are definitely important in growing the game. It can be very intimidating for new golfers starting out at $50-$70 courses getting reprimanded for slow play by the marshall. Well done, Rick!
Thank you for your honest and kind review. I have a small 9-hole course about 10 min from my home and while it isn’t in the greatest shape, it is a great place for players to improve their game at a very reasonable cost. Frankly, one of the biggest challenges is newer players (conjecture on my part) do not replace divots nor repair ball marks on the greens and that accounts for “most” of the poor playing conditions on courses like these. When my son and I play, we repair at least one additional ball mark while putting. Just this small act can help improve the condition of the greens for all. Applying proper golf etiquette while playing will improve enjoyment for all.
donating some clubs tor hire clubs is class. it's a depressing circle - they don't have the budget to improve their maintenance, because the fees are low, they can't command higher fees without upgrading their maintenance. hopefully they get a few good seasons in a row, so they can gain ground.
Lovely to watch and well done. Here in Sydney, I'm fortunate enough to regularly play some of Australia's top courses, but have learned that I get as much joy from playing little country courses that others might sneer at. Supporting struggling clubs just by playing them is rewarding in itself, but golf wise, they also throw up their own challenges by not having perfect greens, compromised layouts, etc. These courses are often held together by volunteers who are passionate and give a lot of themselves in the absence of budgets and love to see outsiders supporting and appreciating their efforts. A whole new dimension of golf! Cheers - Dave
Lovely touch at the end! Tbh £6.50 is actually great value for money for a couple of hours of entertainment. And if you can putt on greens like that, you can putt anywhere...useful practice!
Pennington Flash is where I started playing golf in my mid 20’s about 20 years ago. A few of us at work would go straight there after work and have a cheap round with our starter clubs and just whack it round and have fun learning the game while not feeling pressured. It’s a shame the funding has been cut in recent years. Don’t get me wrong - we used to lose balls in the fairway back then, but the greens and bunkers were never that bad. Still - it’s good to see it’s still open and operating and attracting golfers new and old.
I sit in the shed and charge people to play at Shelthorpe par 3 golf course in Loughborough. We have 17 holes, as the 6th is closed, and the rule is pick one you like and play it twice. Holes range from 53 yds. to 190 yds. Our greens are okish but small. Fairways do get cut but not in winter. No sand or water but lots and I mean lots of mature trees that make the fairways very narrow in places. We also share dog walkers and groups of teenagers with this course but talking to the kids and explaining where it is safe to sit has good results. £11.40 a round or £5.70 for juniors and over 60's. Great place to learn, many Loughborough Uni. students start here. We also suffer from a lack of funding.
@@neilhelsper It was 147 yds when they built houses the other side of the hedge. The council were supposed to put up a bird net fence but didn't so balls hit houses. They shortened the hole to 93 yds but this did not stop the problem, so they closed the hole.
Pennington Flash was where I leaned to play golf. My mate coaxed me into playing a bunch of times and I eventually caught the golfing bug. That was over 20 years ago now! I still go back to Pennington every now and again to see how much I've improved from those early days, and I can honestly say that due to the conditions of the course, it is one of the most challenging courses I've ever played. I usually keep track of my score in terms of "balls lost" rather than "strokes". It's a shame how much it has deteriorated over the past few years, but, if it wasn't for accessible courses like this, far far fewer people would have the opportunity to play and enjoy the game.
Being a Local Nomadic Hacker myself.... I've seen this Course pop up on Golf now and often fancied giving it a go.... Even tho it gets some bad reviews.... I've seen other reviews saying it's perfectly fine, especially given the price... C'mon fellow Greater Mancunians.... Let's give this lil place some Love.
Rick, I'm a struggling amateur in SA. You taught me the art of the lob wedge, opening the face before lining up, taking my position, committing and hitting. It's working out very well. Thank you 🙏🏻. I now need to learn how to read greens 😢
I very rarely comment on any video (I do always click to like them though). However, I really loved this one Rick, I was really hoping that you wouldn't slate it, that you wouldn't go all golf snob on it. You didn't. You appreciated the fact that they were doing the best they could with the funding available, and also that not everyone can afford to pay the membership or green fees for a perfectly manicured members course. I'd play that course and enjoy the challenge of it, for the money it's an absolute bargain. Yes, the greens aren't great, yes the fairways are cut to second cut length, yes the bunkers are like Blackpool beach after a busy day in the summer, but the process is the same...get the ball in the hole at the end 😂This is one of my favourite, if not THE favourite video you've ever produced. Now take one of your tour pro guests on a course like this for a match, a full 18 holes 😉
The course has so much potential. Imagine you had a community of people who wanted to golf here for cheap and they took turns volunteering time cutting grass, raking bunkers, punching and seeding tee blocks and greens. Could make a little bit of funding go a long way with community. With the amount of eyes on the channel, Rick could easily make this happen and help turn this place around.
We play there once a week after work, often just in my work clothes. You’re spot on - great course design, poor maintenance. It’s where I learned to play. The first time I went to a ‘proper’ course it felt VERY EASY in comparison. It’s like learning to play on hard mode. Absolutely love the place though, lots of great memories. It’s improved recently, they’ve really worked on the drainage and there’s been a bunch of changes but it’s a long road with few resources. Can’t stand the slagging off that it gets - it is what it is and we’re lucky to have it. So happy to see you play there, wish you’d played every hole. Only downside - I GUARANTEE I can’t get my usual tee off time tomorrow thanks to you.
Agreed - courses like this serve a purpose and should be appreciated for what they are. I have a course like this near me, and it's where I took my wife to learn how to golf as it was low pressure, and she didn't need to feel self-conscious because she was just learning.
Loved this, good old school RS content. Bite sized, and super relatable. This reminds me a bit of one of the locals I play a lot, mainly because it's cheap and super quick to get too, especially for quick 9 hole practice after dinner in Summer (I got a membership there because it's only $400NZ a year, which is like 185 quid, totally worth it for convenient practice sessions). They put a lot of work into their greens, and it really makes all the difference. We have the same issues there with tourists, dog walkers etc as the course is in a public park (although owned by the club, not council). A bit more signage to remind people they're approaching a golf course would definitely not go astray. The other day I had to politely tell a French back packer who had set up a tight rope in a bunch of trees, that he was set up right in the left miss zone from the second tee box, at the exact moment a ball went whizzing about a meter past him. Suffice to say he scarpered pretty quick, ha ha.
@@junglejim1981 Hey with the number of subscribers Rick's got what sat we group fund it - if we all threw in $30 then we could bloody transform this! What a gift to the local community that would be. Set it up Rick - I'm in!
@@GralphW it’s all well and good but if you transform it the prices will go up and people new to the game or your casual golfer will then have to find somewhere else to play. Beginners like to play somewhere away from the glaring eye of ‘golfers’ For 6.50 this place is just best left alone and people can enjoy a fun day with their mates. I know as golfers ourselves this is hard to understand as we love everything manicured but other people do not see it the way we do.
Love this idea! I’m sure additional funding would go a long way here, doesn’t need anything drastic. Fix up the tees a bit, get a new mower and give the bunkers some TLC. Fantastic way to give back to the community and great content when Rick returns to do a before and after.
@@Moff91 Have a Jr. program where they go around and do some of the basic stuff like raking the bunkers, fixing ballmarks, etc then get to play the course for free. They learn how to care for a course when they are older and bigger and at nicer places, the course gets some free labor, the kids get to play more golf.
My 2 boys were brought up on an 18 hole course that was maybe only a level above this course. They had unlimited play with their cheap membership and spent countless hours with their friends enjoying multiple rounds in a day. Now in their 30’s, they only have fond memories of the good times they had playing on those long lazy summer days.
I've moved abroad now but used to live 5 miles down the road from Penny Flash in Worsley and i must have played it 20 or 30 times. I used to absolutely love having it on the doorstep. It was a fiver for 9 holes and I'd far rather pay that to play on a not so great course, actually get out and play golf, than spend 3 times that at the driving range. This vid brought back some lovely memories and made me a little bit homesick but I'm glad Penny Flash has got some exposure from your channel. Cheers Rick!
As a newbie starting out golf this is what it is all about, learning the game, knowing your going to come across greens that may not be as good as others, but then also you donating clubs for those who may not be able to afford much makes a positive change. Same as for me gestures like yours are helping me start to love the game! 👏
I’m from Leigh and played this so many times in the 90s as a kid. When I took up golf properly during Covid, it was the first course I played just to get used to the clubs I’d bought. Genuinely think the layout of that course is awesome, some great holes. But the drainage is AWFUL so impossible to play in winter and not nice having to dodge dog walkers or groups of teenagers sitting and chatting. Still a great course for practice in summer; ignore putting and just hit multiple balls to get distances sorted at a price cheaper than 80 balls at Trafford Golf. On a similar theme to getting people into golf, you should check out Boomers & Swingers in Astley for a driving range with a difference.
Rick, great video, i totally agree that cheaper courses like this are necessary for golf. I got hooked on golf when i went to a cheap chip and putt. Then moved onto better courses. But i still play a very cheap, rough condition course near my home and it has taught me so much because i can play it weekly, and its condition teaches you to think about shots. I have learned about tight lies coming out hot because the grass isn't as well kept. I have learnt to read the greens better because they arent smooth as a pool table. But mostly because it's not so busy or expensive i can be relaxed and learn without any pressure.
A someone has played this course every now and again over the course over 20 years, Rick described it perfectly. I challenge virtually any 9-hole course in the UK to demonstrate a better, more fun, and well-thought-out layout than Pennington Flash. It has such unbelievable variety for 9 holes and has ridiculous potential. Unfortunately, Rick played this course on one of the best days the course has possibly ever seen...which is saying something. I've played this course when the first tee flag was missing and a stick was used as a reference point, I've had to play with gangs of kids hiding under the trees, playing music and shouting abuse at us, and on several of the holes, I've seen random walkers strolling around the course drinking beer and smoking, etc, as it's basically a public park at times. As for the condition, the fairway is genuinely 1st cut of rough at best, and the greens might be the worst in the world. Someone, please fund this course and pump some money into it. Also, Rick, try and break 75 at Haigh Hall in Wigan. That would be interesting.
As bad as it is, it’s a great place to learn. Cheap (or free if you come later), and perfect for practicing iron shots. Had to skip the 5th and 6th hole near enough every time due to the waterlogged section, and have too seen the stick replacement flags 🤣
Great video. Places like this are really important. Golf needs to be for everyone, and not an elitist sport for the rich. It doesn't surprise me there's no money available in the UK to properly fund places like this; there's no money for anything in the UK anymore...
I can’t believe you’re playing this course, it’s 5 minutes away from where I grew up. Never played it because of how bad a word it gets! I might have to give it a try now Rick Shiels has been there. I really hope it brings some more people down and more funding to the course 😅
Bunkers in the UK are atrocious generally unless you're at one of the really good clubs. Even at nicer courses with a bit more money, the bunkers are poor because the sand isn't great, they often end up with rocks in them. I don't think the UK needs bunkers on a lot of courses. Our rough is significantly worse than other places as we have so much rain and it grows thick, use that to punish players.
Agree. The bunkers at my local golf course were GUR for about two years, the effort/cost to maintain would have been better spent on other aspects of golf course- just shut permanently unfortunately!
Every single day the 45 bunkers on the course I worked at for years would be completely destroyed by birds, rabbits over night. Foot prints and holes dug out etc. with only 2 staff we simply couldn’t rake them every morning so did it on the 3 comp days. They require so much maintenance(edging, flood damage,weeding,raking) you are best just having a few very good placed ones to maintain.
Good point. Most bunkers at clubs I play at in Devon are awful. In fact I think at Saunton which is a top 100 has started grassing over a number of their bunkers.
I've played golf for 20 years, got to play Bandon, Torrey, St. Andrews, Broadmoor, etc.. and nothing will compare to those, but yet one of my favorites was a course about 200 yards from a concrete plant in rural cow pasture country. It was 23 holes (more bang for your buck), not more than 4 feet of elevation change, port o pots every few holes, but fun things like an old 1950's chevy truck body in the 13th fairway they had sprayed a hazard line around... abandoned boat hull next to the 7th green, and a 'water feature' on a par 3 that was a large cow trough they had buried with a backhoe and filled with a garden hose. I had more fun playing that round, because every hole was an adventure and had character. First class is great, but sometimes the party is in economy.
I dont comment much but i hope you see this rick. Content like this is awesome at times. No high standards, just out for a laugh and we see golf that is sometines more relatable as many of us play courses like these at times. Would love to see more videos like this.
Pennington Golf Course presents the First annual "RICK SHIELS GOLF OUTING". It was very nice of Rick to give the course club sets for future use, but Rick could really help the course by using his platform and "Fame" to raise money to help the course, especially with it being so close to his studio. An annual event with Rick and his friends (Guy, James Robinson, Peter Finch, Bob does Sports crew, Grant and many more). Rick said he liked the course and the people are so friendly, the course was just lacking funding. Well here is a chance to really make a difference and not just the course, but for all the people that work there and the surrounding community. 🙏 Anyhow, I am just a normally guy from here in the US, been following Rick a few years now and just wanted to toss this out there. Would gladly give up watching Rick golf at 5 star course to make this happen and watch these videos. Rock on Rick 🤘😎
I love this idea. Maybe an annual outing, but rotate it to different courses. Help they raise GBP 25,000+ a year that can go directly into the facility.
The course I learnt to play on (St Andrews, South island of NZ, has been reclaimed by nature now) was a bit like this. The layout was good, there were some really challenging holes, some interesting features, and importantly no bunkers. Using out of bounds, ditches, mounds and hedges really made you think about your shots without costing a load in maintenance. My favourite hole was this short par 5 (from memory it was about 380m) but the tee was about 20 back from a chute of tall pines. If you pushed or pulled your drive you were going to really struggle. If you striped it down the guts you had a short iron or wedge in, and the green had some nasty slopes to really challenge your placement. It was all maintained by volunteers from what I remember.
GOD that storage room is literally every man's dream. I would die to have a collection that diverse and extensive. You deserve it though. You're an amazing golfer, educator, reviewer, and youtuber. Absolutely one of my favorite golfers/influencers. Love your videos, Rick. I'm new to golf. VERY NEW. 27, and just started practicing, to play my first full round. I LIVE on a golf course, and never thought I would get into it. Went out once to play a single hole, and I fell in love with it. Watching your videos has taught me A LOT and is one of the reasons I decided to go out and give it a shot! Keep up the great work and thank you for being one of the reasons I started playing!
A good, balanced, and respectful review - courses like this have such an important role in the game, not everyone can fork out big bucks to play golf. It would have been so easy (and so shitty) to just rubbish the place. A bit of a trip down memory lane too - I grew up playing Pennington, as well as Haigh Hall, Bolton Muni and Brackley (now closed, but way worse than Pennington!) - this was before Hart Common (Rick's first club) existed. The trees at Pennington were only about 8ft tall then, so amazing to see how the course looks now. A trip to Hindley Hall (where some of my school mates played) was like going to Gleneagles!
Rick you are a one in a million, you realize how , important, it is to keep these old courses open , when there gone there gone , and not everybody has the money to play, the perfect courses , and taking a step back and thinking over the need , to keep these courses going was a breath of fresh air!!! Nice touch with giving away the clubs .. you earned my respect!!!
So glad you found some positives in reviewing this course. The world needs entry level budget golf so everyone has a chance to enjoy the game. Some of my fond memories of golf as a kid are my dad taking us to a $3 per round 9 hole track where there were more laughs and smiles than any pretentious fancy place could imagine. We need more courses with prices for average working class people; I belong to a private club and there are plenty of snobs and narcissists there; if the courses for the “every man” could keep a decent pace and access, I’d like to go back.
Should sponsor this course, Rick. Put a little of your fortune their way. Give back to the game which has made you a very decent living and generate some good publicity...
Agreed, this would be a great way to give back to the game and his community! I'm sure it would be very fulfilling to play neglected courses, help them out, then come back say a year later and see what improvements they've been able to make.
What, because its 20 minutes from his house ?? Thats utterly daft. Its a municipal course. A “little” funding wouldnt scratch the sides. Far better ways to help the game than bale out overspending, wasteful councils.
@IverKnackerov you're writing off all the people who can't afford country club memberships. Sure he doesn't 'need' to contribute. We were pointing out that it would be a good idea for philanthropy. And what better course to contribute to than a local one that could really use it?
Having lived over the canal at the far end of Pennington, this was a course I've played quite a lot, exept in the wet months (they close the course, usually). Love that you've given it this exposure. I live in Spain now so don't have the problem of a wet course that often!
Thankyou so much for playing penning GC. it's my local course. I live in lowton. Also it's the first golf course I played when I got into golf a few years back. Playing such a hard course because it's so badly maintained, actually made me a better player. Me and my friend have a saying about penny GC. It doesn't matter if your in the fairway or in the rough, your still in the rough lol. I've played so many great courses since. Worsley Marriott. Definitely the best course I've played so far.
Pennington Flash is the place that me and loads of people 30 years ago learned to love golf. Not played it in 25 years, but it hasn't changed much. But Rick is absolutely right, you need courses like this to get you into the game. I'm still playing 30 years later and it's because of places like this. And Pennington Country Park is a lovely place for families to visit. Great content Rick ⛳️
I always give these courses 5 stars. Whether new to the game or not. Places like this bring people out to enjoy the game. And you hit the nail on the head, you, your buddies, and one set of broken down, second hand clubs. Always a good time!
Fantastic video. As a newcomer to the game me and my mates had our first few rounds on here. Its ideal for beginners - it's cheap and cheerful and welcoming. Its not intimidating like golf clubs can be. It has a special place in my heart like someone else mentioned in the comments. These places are vital to encourage new people into the game. Touch of class at the end donating the clubs.
Loved the little chat you had with the staff about how a course ends up like this. With no budget, its a miracle this place is still open. Would love you to visit our place, maybe our regulars wouldn't complain as much as they do haha
Great review. Accessibility in golf is always a huge plus. If you're a beginner golfer like myself, having a cheap course to practice your swing somewhere other than a driving range is sometimes all you need. I'd be happy to play here, especially as the greens give me an excuse for 3 putting. 😄
Rick, love this video! Lower production value, just you having fun, playing golf. I feel more connected to you vs. the high production value Break 75 videos. Mix in more of these, shows the love of the game we all have.
I'm in USA we've had no rain this summer in West Virginia and alot of courses are dead. We do have the Greenbrier where they play liv golf but it is unaffordable.. I played a local course that's actually got grass Sunday and the greens were not mowed and the due was thick. The greens were almost an inch tall. I was force putting balls in the morning and then in the afternoon over putting everything. These couses will teach u to be flexible.
I can’t agree more. Cheaper less maintained course with layouts that make you feel like you have to make a good shot is outstanding. I can’t talk my casual golfer friends into spending 25-40 dollars per golfer when they are new at it. 7-10 would be great for 9 holes and just enjoy getting out. It’s so much better than just going to a driving range
I like Rick's review, pretty positive outlook. I grew up in Lowton (St Marys) to the west of the Flash mostly known locally as Lowton or Pennington Flash. The "Country Park" Golf Course is constructed at least partly on slag heaps from Bickershaw Colliery, one of the last three in a system linked by under ground with with Newton Le Willows and Golborne Collieries a few miles away. I used to fish the Flash for Perch and Pike, in an amateur fashion. Pennington had a lovely Park and Lilford in Leigh but when Wigan Metropolitan Authority took over they stripped the animals they had and underfunded everything in favour of Wigan, not exactly famous for it's beauty but was good for pubs, humor and rugby league. Rick is from Bolton and played Golf at Westhoughton (decent village/town) first according to the net data. He will likely know the area. Pennington is the posh part of Leigh and Lowton was an ok place to be brought up. I love the people in this area of SW Lancs, as was.
I hope so too. The reviews at the beginning made me sad. It's so easy for people to get on the internet and say a place is garbage, meanwhile the staff working there are doing the best they can with the resources they have available. I hope they're able to stay open, I hope more people give them a fair shake, and maybe they'll get a little more funding to make some improvements. Golf courses like this need to exist.
Man, to donate those clubs as well was a class act, and i completely agree with you that these cheap, accessible courses are a must for budding golfers. Plus, what you do for golf must also not go unnoticed! Cheers! 👊🤘
I've seen worse here in Australia. We have some courses in dry areas of the country that don't even have real greens. They have an area covered with a mix of sand and sump oil as the "green." The flag is basically a flat rake that you use to make a scrap line from your ball to the hole. You can't land the ball on them either. You have to run it up onto the green, or else it would just bounce off.
A great review Rick. I have played Pennington Flash for thirty years. The course is a lovely little course but isn’t looked after. Wigan council are letting us all down. Thank you for not being too harsh on the course. Appreciated.
For £6 I genuinely think it's great value, I'd play all the time if I lived close. I used to play a lot of golf as a junior but I can't get around to it anymore, largely because of the high green fees. £60-£80 is standard for 18 holes in my area and memberships go for around $1000/year. My junior membership was £120 (and it was a great course too) - now it's £700/year + a £1600 entry fee (non-refundable).
Really really enjoyed this more relaxed vlog style video of a course that is very relatable. Would love to see a few legit break 75s on bang average courses every now and again
Great video, I actually have a course very similar to this close to where I live in the states. It’s 9 holes, “bunkers,” super furry greens, etc. but it’s $15 and an absolute blast with my high handicap/little experience golf friends. These help get people into golf without being intimidated, glad you could show this place off and kudos for donating some clubs for others to use.
Nice vid!! Way better having more of this kind of golfcourses for youngsters than the new stuffy richkid designercourse! Only 1 practice green and small pratice bunker thats ok/good enough to practice on for the ambious kids is a ‘must-have’. Rest of the game is good practice even with these conditions 👌
Found a new respect for you and your channel. What a tremendous act of kindness to review this course as positive as you can and to donate those clubs to help future golfers discover this wonderful game we have come to love, hate and admire at the same time. Tip of the hat to you. Cheers
You’re exactly spot on regarding this course being a great place for new golfers to start playing ! And what a kind contribution to the club house at the end 🥰 When my father passed away he had about 10 old sets of clubs that he had collected… I gave them to a clubhouse to use for their junior program 🤩
on raking bunkers, in the beginning all bunkers were originally seen as waste areas and unmaintained. Bunkers are hazards and are supposed to be penalising. In the 1934 edition of the R&A's Rules of Golf they just say you should fill any holes you made in a bunker, there is no mention of rakes. Watching Bobby Jones, How I play golf, from 1031 he shows how to handle a ball in a heel print. There is no mentioning of raking bunkers there.
Nice and respectful video review, well done ☺I learned the game of golf also in small local club hidden in the landscape of east Germany with fair fees. It was great to play without pressure and to try different aspects of the game what is not possible on bigger courses where I may never would have started to play golf.
Great video Rick and great idea. Think someone mentioned it already about playing course that we the subscribers play. Really interesting seeing how you get on on courses that are relatable to us.
Cracking gesture from Rick at the end. He’s right, these public courses are what help get some kids into the sport, or even let adults play, learn or exercise on a budget and without the stuffiness that often comes with a private course. What do folk expect for £6.50 ?
Well done Rick and team, great video. Inner city golf has been forgotten by the powers that be. No funding, not only from local councils, but England Golf are shameful on their support to grassroots golf courses. The stepping stone that most take in to golf will soon be none existent. Millions being earned at the top, while some of the grassroot courses have to choose between Cutting greens or maintaining bunkers. Thanks for featuring the struggle that is so real for many courses, keep up the good work and please keep featuring the small courses that day in and day out feed Golf with eager new golfers all over the world....
Wonderful review of a place that's been hit by hard times. Real respect for helping them out at the end too. Sport needs more people like you, Rick. Keep it up
It's probably a great loop for many a golfer of all ages to enjoy an affordable round. In the fareway, we would simply drag the ball onto some grass near it's landing. In the bunkers, we would lift the ball, rake, drop and play. Maybe bring our own small rake. If the green had a bad area, we would move to a better area nearby. Great place to start.
Back when I started the game we had two courses in our town. One a country club (that I couldn’t afford and too embarrassed to play with my 28 handicap) the other a 9 hole course on an old college campus. I wouldn’t be playing today if I didn’t have the 9 hole course to play. Thanks Rick!! Brought back memories.
A truly public-spirited video. Whether this course ever does get the funding it needs, there'll always be courses that leave something to be desired. And we've all played on them at some stage. The fact remains that if you're an ordinary civilian playing ordinary golf, with little more aspiration than to have a pleasant walk and hit some decent shots here and there, then cheap and accessible courses like this serve a vital function. And for beginners and kids, a course like this is gold. I was really glad that Rick saw the value in it and had the generosity of spirit to say so.
Best review you have done for a long time! This is probably a truer reflection of the golf experience for many golfers, especially when starting out. Like when you did west midlands golf course review. These courses are what most will play on week in and week out.
Good review of this course and glad you didn’t rip it apart with negativity and loving the touch at the end it really meant a lot to him giving your clubs what a class man you are 👍👍👍
Love it. The worst (and best) course I've played is a 9 holer at Haven Hafyn Y Mor in Wales. The course is overlooking Cardigan Bay and also has views of Snowdonia. It is stunning. However, Haven have spent nothing in the upkeep, the bunkers have no sand, the greens a patchy at best and there are no boxes or markers on the tees. It's annoying as Haven aren't short of money and a little bit of expenditure would make it an amazing 9 hole course.
Good honest review. It's such a shame that courses like this one aren't given more funding, it's a great place to start golf, without all the rules and restrictions.
Had a local 9 hole course when I lived in Missouri that was similar with the vibe of the place. Had a sweet old lady who worked the clubhouse. Was a 9 hole course that cost 13$, but included a hot dog, chips and a drink. Out in the country and no dress code. The course had some interesting holes and was decently maintained. It became my favorite place to play. It was always a fun relaxing time.
Good on you Rick. When you are new to golf, a course that is quiet, so you don’t feel rushed, is ideal. Too many courses are so busy a new golfer can feel pressured and uneasy. Hope the course picks up from your video.
I played a course in the US in Savanah, Ga. I don't remember the real course name but everybody called it the 16penny course, as in a 16p nail. I found out why on the first tee box. The ground was so hard I couldn't get a tee in the ground. You needed a nail to make a hole in the ground to put the tee in. Tried to hammer a wooden tee in with my club and smash the tee to bits. Fairways and greens were just as hard. It was a tough day.
@ricksheilspga that was a very generous thing you did with those clubs at the end of the vid pal. Great to see that. Keep up the good work rick hopefully il get the chance to play a round with ya one day mate all the best 👍🏼
Good on you Rick, a lot of us started on “muni’s” that was our gateway into playing, crack of dawn dropping your ball into the starter rack on the 1st hole. Hope courses such Pennington Flash survive and flourish.
such a respectful and thoughtful review ❤ donating the clubs was a nice touch
Obviously a bandage to show how nice rick is after the titleist vid though 😜
first time ever seeing TH-cam comment on a video
@Suspect333 Same here, looks like someone at TH-cam is a golfer.
@@Suspect333 You must not get around much.
@@webdev217 I don't spend all day on the Computer no... I have a life.
This is what sets Rick apart from virtually every other TH-cam golfer. He could have gone out there destroyed this course for the lack of quality, but he was careful to emphasize the upsides as well. And gifting those sets of clubs to the course was a class act. You are such a wonderful ambassador for the game, Rick. Please keep doing what you are doing and stay true to who you are!
Have you ever watched a @markcrossfield video mate? Rick is a nice guy but he's vanilla when it comes to informed golf information. Watch Mark crossfield if you actually want to learn about golf and improve!
I’ve watched mark for years and he does the same thing over and over again he lost all the decent people he worked with and his channel is on the way down unfortunately
Or, instead of giving them a couple of cheap sets that he himself gets for free, he could have donated the money he makes solely from this video. You have no idea what this guy is like off camera, trust me you would not believe it.
@@shanem861I’ve had the same experience with Mark’s channel, and I love him. But it feels really stale to me now. It seems rare that he collaborates with other TH-camrs now which strikes me as he’s rubbed people up the wrong way and ostracised himself potentially
@Alan-lw7yu what really
How much of your hard earned are you donating to a golf club and I'm not meaning greenness or membership
Rick has made history as the only golfer to ever play both Pennington GC and Augusta National GC.
hahaha
😂😂. I live fairly close to the course. Good on Rick. Great objective, positive comments.
I am pretty sure Jack and Arnie played at Pennington.. that's the rumor, and allegedly Arnie said Pennington was his favorite $6.50 golf course in that part of England
Rick it is really refreshing to see you doing a laid back, bouncy/jolly video like this. It feels like the good old days of your channel which is what got me hooked. As much as people love break 75 I feel it had made the channel quite serious at times. Things change and businesses grow so I’m not knocking you at all. But for me this is your best video this year and I would love to see more bouncy videos where the outcome does not matter. Especially seeing you happy and relaxed not frustrated
I'd argue these courses are actually beneficial to grow the game, where people who are new to golf can go mess around and now have to worry about price, etiquette, or skill level. Ultimately more access to affordable golf will grow the game which is great for everyone
Watch till the end!!!
I agree. I learned on cheap courses because that is what I can afford. I have played on some really nice courses and got spoiled. But I still play middle of the spectrum today since finances are a big factor in where I play.
@@RickShielsPGA jumped the gun! Wasn’t aimed at the content, I think you articulated this well!
I did this! When I started I often played a little unkempt executive near me that I describe as "the dive bar of golf courses".
Quality touch at the end Rick 👍
At penny (as we locals call it) there is a practice bunker to the right side of the first fairway.
We moved away 8 years ago, but I always played this before work (tee off at 6:30 or first light in winter, and paid on the way out) 3 times a week. I learned there at age 33 and its a special place to me. I have to admit, seems amazing Rick you haven't played there before, but now living abroad, it was wonderful to see it played by a pro and how respectful you were to the course and the great staff that work so hard. Thank Rick!
Pennington Flash holds a special place in my heart, even though it was always underfunded and a bit boggy-even in the summer. It was the first golf course I ever played on as a junior 25 years ago, and it sparked my love for the game. As a 13-year-old, I saved my paper round money to buy a sleeve of 3 golf balls and a round of golf at Pennington. I still remember the 4th hole when I bought a plastic bag full of lake balls from the locals fishing them out of the stream!
Municipal courses like Pennington are the gateway to golf for those who might not have the money to play elsewhere. They provide access and opportunity to so many young and aspiring players like I once was. We need to cherish and preserve these places-they’re where golfers are born.
Reminds me, too, of the course, in the Texas Panhandle, I started on and learned on - only, this one is so much greener!
Really, enjoyed this video and love the channel!!
Well said my man. Well said
Nice story, and well said!
Well said mate.
Bang on! Well said.
New to Rick’s channel, this is top stuff. Honest review of the course without hyperbole, talking about the reality of their circumstances, and helping them out with the free rental clubs. Really lovely to see
Hi Rick, I actually run a council owned municipal golf course. I'm a golfer myself and with my team we have turned it around and now this year it's been amazing. I have one groundskeeper and one in training. With dedication and hard work it is possible to get these courses to thrive. I dare you to come and play our course! Get in touch!!
Try and email his team! I'd love to see him play it and to see your story on camera.
Knightswood golf course by any chance?
The best video you’ve done in ages. Your fairness and generosity are why I like you and videos like this are what keep me subscribed. You’re right, we need clubs like this, not only for access to all sorts of people, but also because they are often an opportunity to get some practice in where a “proper” golf course may not be readily available. I’m happy to have a round at a course like this and either not putt or not count the putts. The negative reviews don’t take into account the price!
rick, you should look at doing a series where you every few months you play a subscribers local course and rate the condition and difficulty, you could have a google form set up that will randomly select local courses that subscribers submit, think this would be really interesting, as i know people who's "local courses" are places like royal St George's and St Andrews, which are considerably nicer than mine and other peoples locals, could be an interesting video concept, maybe mix it in with break 75.
Genius idea
Yeah that will be amazing 🙌🏻
I live close to Rick, and we have so many courses close by. It’s great to watch him play courses that we can only dream of playing,but let’s get back to how he started by playing courses that were local to him , like Hart Common and Harwood.
Watching and average golfer trying to break 80 around a very average golf course seems like it would make for very average videos
@@pipedown7969 my point was to try and showcase lesser known, and worse, courses, he could obviously tailor it by making the goal score lower, or maybe playing against the local course pro with a handicap, to make it more exciting for viewership, idk.
I started golfing last summer and I live fairly local to this course so I started here. I always had a good time but there are some big issues I had as a brand new golfer here. The main thing is the random dog walkers and people walking. As a brand new golfer, my ball goes everywhere and people just walk out in front of you. The first day I went it was a very nice day and people were sun bathing on the first hole, close to where your first shot landed and on the 9th a family with some kids had a football net set up 50 yards from the hole. Nobody was policing them and I actually had to pick my ball up and place it the other side of these obstacles, especially the really young kids playing football with their parents. They need to police it somehow because it's very dangerous for the sort of people that would play here. General public treat it like a park, not a golf course.
What you did was awesome! These courses are definitely important in growing the game. It can be very intimidating for new golfers starting out at $50-$70 courses getting reprimanded for slow play by the marshall. Well done, Rick!
Thank you for your honest and kind review. I have a small 9-hole course about 10 min from my home and while it isn’t in the greatest shape, it is a great place for players to improve their game at a very reasonable cost. Frankly, one of the biggest challenges is newer players (conjecture on my part) do not replace divots nor repair ball marks on the greens and that accounts for “most” of the poor playing conditions on courses like these. When my son and I play, we repair at least one additional ball mark while putting. Just this small act can help improve the condition of the greens for all.
Applying proper golf etiquette while playing will improve enjoyment for all.
The ending was a nice touch, I'd happily play that course also.
donating some clubs tor hire clubs is class. it's a depressing circle - they don't have the budget to improve their maintenance, because the fees are low, they can't command higher fees without upgrading their maintenance. hopefully they get a few good seasons in a row, so they can gain ground.
It's an easy tax write off
@@KevinHoekman what is the tax Right off?
@@simonpe3trie102
Donations are a deduction. Have you ever paid taxes?
@@KevinHoekmanit’s a council course?
Lovely to watch and well done. Here in Sydney, I'm fortunate enough to regularly play some of Australia's top courses, but have learned that I get as much joy from playing little country courses that others might sneer at. Supporting struggling clubs just by playing them is rewarding in itself, but golf wise, they also throw up their own challenges by not having perfect greens, compromised layouts, etc. These courses are often held together by volunteers who are passionate and give a lot of themselves in the absence of budgets and love to see outsiders supporting and appreciating their efforts. A whole new dimension of golf! Cheers - Dave
Lovely touch at the end! Tbh £6.50 is actually great value for money for a couple of hours of entertainment. And if you can putt on greens like that, you can putt anywhere...useful practice!
If it's only 6.50 you can't complain.
Pennington Flash is where I started playing golf in my mid 20’s about 20 years ago. A few of us at work would go straight there after work and have a cheap round with our starter clubs and just whack it round and have fun learning the game while not feeling pressured. It’s a shame the funding has been cut in recent years. Don’t get me wrong - we used to lose balls in the fairway back then, but the greens and bunkers were never that bad. Still - it’s good to see it’s still open and operating and attracting golfers new and old.
I sit in the shed and charge people to play at Shelthorpe par 3 golf course in Loughborough. We have 17 holes, as the 6th is closed, and the rule is pick one you like and play it twice. Holes range from 53 yds. to 190 yds. Our greens are okish but small. Fairways do get cut but not in winter. No sand or water but lots and I mean lots of mature trees that make the fairways very narrow in places. We also share dog walkers and groups of teenagers with this course but talking to the kids and explaining where it is safe to sit has good results. £11.40 a round or £5.70 for juniors and over 60's. Great place to learn, many Loughborough Uni. students start here. We also suffer from a lack of funding.
sounds fun. why is the 6th hole closed???
@@neilhelsper It was 147 yds when they built houses the other side of the hedge. The council were supposed to put up a bird net fence but didn't so balls hit houses. They shortened the hole to 93 yds but this did not stop the problem, so they closed the hole.
Pennington Flash was where I leaned to play golf. My mate coaxed me into playing a bunch of times and I eventually caught the golfing bug. That was over 20 years ago now! I still go back to Pennington every now and again to see how much I've improved from those early days, and I can honestly say that due to the conditions of the course, it is one of the most challenging courses I've ever played. I usually keep track of my score in terms of "balls lost" rather than "strokes". It's a shame how much it has deteriorated over the past few years, but, if it wasn't for accessible courses like this, far far fewer people would have the opportunity to play and enjoy the game.
Being a Local Nomadic Hacker myself.... I've seen this Course pop up on Golf now and often fancied giving it a go.... Even tho it gets some bad reviews.... I've seen other reviews saying it's perfectly fine, especially given the price...
C'mon fellow Greater Mancunians.... Let's give this lil place some Love.
Rick, I'm a struggling amateur in SA. You taught me the art of the lob wedge, opening the face before lining up, taking my position, committing and hitting. It's working out very well.
Thank you 🙏🏻.
I now need to learn how to read greens 😢
I very rarely comment on any video (I do always click to like them though). However, I really loved this one Rick, I was really hoping that you wouldn't slate it, that you wouldn't go all golf snob on it. You didn't. You appreciated the fact that they were doing the best they could with the funding available, and also that not everyone can afford to pay the membership or green fees for a perfectly manicured members course. I'd play that course and enjoy the challenge of it, for the money it's an absolute bargain. Yes, the greens aren't great, yes the fairways are cut to second cut length, yes the bunkers are like Blackpool beach after a busy day in the summer, but the process is the same...get the ball in the hole at the end 😂This is one of my favourite, if not THE favourite video you've ever produced. Now take one of your tour pro guests on a course like this for a match, a full 18 holes 😉
The course has so much potential. Imagine you had a community of people who wanted to golf here for cheap and they took turns volunteering time cutting grass, raking bunkers, punching and seeding tee blocks and greens. Could make a little bit of funding go a long way with community. With the amount of eyes on the channel, Rick could easily make this happen and help turn this place around.
We play there once a week after work, often just in my work clothes. You’re spot on - great course design, poor maintenance.
It’s where I learned to play. The first time I went to a ‘proper’ course it felt VERY EASY in comparison. It’s like learning to play on hard mode.
Absolutely love the place though, lots of great memories. It’s improved recently, they’ve really worked on the drainage and there’s been a bunch of changes but it’s a long road with few resources.
Can’t stand the slagging off that it gets - it is what it is and we’re lucky to have it. So happy to see you play there, wish you’d played every hole.
Only downside - I GUARANTEE I can’t get my usual tee off time tomorrow thanks to you.
Agreed - courses like this serve a purpose and should be appreciated for what they are. I have a course like this near me, and it's where I took my wife to learn how to golf as it was low pressure, and she didn't need to feel self-conscious because she was just learning.
Loved this, good old school RS content. Bite sized, and super relatable. This reminds me a bit of one of the locals I play a lot, mainly because it's cheap and super quick to get too, especially for quick 9 hole practice after dinner in Summer (I got a membership there because it's only $400NZ a year, which is like 185 quid, totally worth it for convenient practice sessions). They put a lot of work into their greens, and it really makes all the difference. We have the same issues there with tourists, dog walkers etc as the course is in a public park (although owned by the club, not council). A bit more signage to remind people they're approaching a golf course would definitely not go astray. The other day I had to politely tell a French back packer who had set up a tight rope in a bunch of trees, that he was set up right in the left miss zone from the second tee box, at the exact moment a ball went whizzing about a meter past him. Suffice to say he scarpered pretty quick, ha ha.
Rick, you should adopt this course and fund it a bit yourself. Fix that contour mower, hire a part time maintenance worker, etc.
Perfect for the 1st Rick's Quick 6 course...maybe? 😜
@@junglejim1981 Hey with the number of subscribers Rick's got what sat we group fund it - if we all threw in $30 then we could bloody transform this! What a gift to the local community that would be. Set it up Rick - I'm in!
@@GralphW it’s all well and good but if you transform it the prices will go up and people new to the game or your casual golfer will then have to find somewhere else to play. Beginners like to play somewhere away from the glaring eye of ‘golfers’
For 6.50 this place is just best left alone and people can enjoy a fun day with their mates. I know as golfers ourselves this is hard to understand as we love everything manicured but other people do not see it the way we do.
Love this idea! I’m sure additional funding would go a long way here, doesn’t need anything drastic. Fix up the tees a bit, get a new mower and give the bunkers some TLC. Fantastic way to give back to the community and great content when Rick returns to do a before and after.
@@Moff91 Have a Jr. program where they go around and do some of the basic stuff like raking the bunkers, fixing ballmarks, etc then get to play the course for free. They learn how to care for a course when they are older and bigger and at nicer places, the course gets some free labor, the kids get to play more golf.
At 13:50, you nailed it. Golf is supposed to be fun, above all else.
My 2 boys were brought up on an 18 hole course that was maybe only a level above this course. They had unlimited play with their cheap membership and spent countless hours with their friends enjoying multiple rounds in a day. Now in their 30’s, they only have fond memories of the good times they had playing on those long lazy summer days.
I've moved abroad now but used to live 5 miles down the road from Penny Flash in Worsley and i must have played it 20 or 30 times. I used to absolutely love having it on the doorstep. It was a fiver for 9 holes and I'd far rather pay that to play on a not so great course, actually get out and play golf, than spend 3 times that at the driving range. This vid brought back some lovely memories and made me a little bit homesick but I'm glad Penny Flash has got some exposure from your channel. Cheers Rick!
Nice to see affordable courses for newer golfers. Helps grow the game even if it isn’t the nicest course.
I agree. Those are the type of courses I started on.
Why do we want to grow the game?
As a newbie starting out golf this is what it is all about, learning the game, knowing your going to come across greens that may not be as good as others, but then also you donating clubs for those who may not be able to afford much makes a positive change. Same as for me gestures like yours are helping me start to love the game! 👏
I’m from Leigh and played this so many times in the 90s as a kid. When I took up golf properly during Covid, it was the first course I played just to get used to the clubs I’d bought. Genuinely think the layout of that course is awesome, some great holes. But the drainage is AWFUL so impossible to play in winter and not nice having to dodge dog walkers or groups of teenagers sitting and chatting. Still a great course for practice in summer; ignore putting and just hit multiple balls to get distances sorted at a price cheaper than 80 balls at Trafford Golf.
On a similar theme to getting people into golf, you should check out Boomers & Swingers in Astley for a driving range with a difference.
Rick, great video, i totally agree that cheaper courses like this are necessary for golf. I got hooked on golf when i went to a cheap chip and putt. Then moved onto better courses. But i still play a very cheap, rough condition course near my home and it has taught me so much because i can play it weekly, and its condition teaches you to think about shots. I have learned about tight lies coming out hot because the grass isn't as well kept. I have learnt to read the greens better because they arent smooth as a pool table. But mostly because it's not so busy or expensive i can be relaxed and learn without any pressure.
A someone has played this course every now and again over the course over 20 years, Rick described it perfectly. I challenge virtually any 9-hole course in the UK to demonstrate a better, more fun, and well-thought-out layout than Pennington Flash. It has such unbelievable variety for 9 holes and has ridiculous potential.
Unfortunately, Rick played this course on one of the best days the course has possibly ever seen...which is saying something. I've played this course when the first tee flag was missing and a stick was used as a reference point, I've had to play with gangs of kids hiding under the trees, playing music and shouting abuse at us, and on several of the holes, I've seen random walkers strolling around the course drinking beer and smoking, etc, as it's basically a public park at times. As for the condition, the fairway is genuinely 1st cut of rough at best, and the greens might be the worst in the world.
Someone, please fund this course and pump some money into it.
Also, Rick, try and break 75 at Haigh Hall in Wigan. That would be interesting.
a US golf youtuber played a course that was all but abandoned. they just had a lockbox for green fees, which I think were even lower than 7 pounds.
As bad as it is, it’s a great place to learn. Cheap (or free if you come later), and perfect for practicing iron shots. Had to skip the 5th and 6th hole near enough every time due to the waterlogged section, and have too seen the stick replacement flags 🤣
@@kenbrown2808 I'm now on a mission to watch the worst courses in the world. BobDoesSports being a great focal point of this.
We all know how bad Haigh Hall can get 😂
@@Flllynt Tell me about it. XD
Great video. Places like this are really important. Golf needs to be for everyone, and not an elitist sport for the rich. It doesn't surprise me there's no money available in the UK to properly fund places like this; there's no money for anything in the UK anymore...
Learned to play on a small local course in Germany too. Was so nice to learn the basics of the game without pressure in nice atmosphere
I can’t believe you’re playing this course, it’s 5 minutes away from where I grew up. Never played it because of how bad a word it gets! I might have to give it a try now Rick Shiels has been there.
I really hope it brings some more people down and more funding to the course 😅
Bunkers in the UK are atrocious generally unless you're at one of the really good clubs. Even at nicer courses with a bit more money, the bunkers are poor because the sand isn't great, they often end up with rocks in them. I don't think the UK needs bunkers on a lot of courses. Our rough is significantly worse than other places as we have so much rain and it grows thick, use that to punish players.
Agree fully. I wish they would get rid of the bunkers if they aren't going to maintain them!
Agree. The bunkers at my local golf course were GUR for about two years, the effort/cost to maintain would have been better spent on other aspects of golf course- just shut permanently unfortunately!
Every single day the 45 bunkers on the course I worked at for years would be completely destroyed by birds, rabbits over night. Foot prints and holes dug out etc. with only 2 staff we simply couldn’t rake them every morning so did it on the 3 comp days. They require so much maintenance(edging, flood damage,weeding,raking) you are best just having a few very good placed ones to maintain.
Good point. Most bunkers at clubs I play at in Devon are awful. In fact I think at Saunton which is a top 100 has started grassing over a number of their bunkers.
I've played golf for 20 years, got to play Bandon, Torrey, St. Andrews, Broadmoor, etc.. and nothing will compare to those, but yet one of my favorites was a course about 200 yards from a concrete plant in rural cow pasture country. It was 23 holes (more bang for your buck), not more than 4 feet of elevation change, port o pots every few holes, but fun things like an old 1950's chevy truck body in the 13th fairway they had sprayed a hazard line around... abandoned boat hull next to the 7th green, and a 'water feature' on a par 3 that was a large cow trough they had buried with a backhoe and filled with a garden hose. I had more fun playing that round, because every hole was an adventure and had character. First class is great, but sometimes the party is in economy.
If Rick likes this comment I am quitting work right now and go play a round with the boys
Do it anyways 😂
Cmon Rick
Rick!!!
Literally just copied a previous comment. Highly unoriginal and lacking any creativity
My name is Rick and I liked you comment
I dont comment much but i hope you see this rick. Content like this is awesome at times. No high standards, just out for a laugh and we see golf that is sometines more relatable as many of us play courses like these at times. Would love to see more videos like this.
Pennington Golf Course presents the First annual "RICK SHIELS GOLF OUTING". It was very nice of Rick to give the course club sets for future use, but Rick could really help the course by using his platform and "Fame" to raise money to help the course, especially with it being so close to his studio. An annual event with Rick and his friends (Guy, James Robinson, Peter Finch, Bob does Sports crew, Grant and many more). Rick said he liked the course and the people are so friendly, the course was just lacking funding. Well here is a chance to really make a difference and not just the course, but for all the people that work there and the surrounding community. 🙏
Anyhow, I am just a normally guy from here in the US, been following Rick a few years now and just wanted to toss this out there. Would gladly give up watching Rick golf at 5 star course to make this happen and watch these videos. Rock on Rick 🤘😎
I love this idea. Maybe an annual outing, but rotate it to different courses. Help they raise GBP 25,000+ a year that can go directly into the facility.
@@jakebreathes2387 yes moving it around might be even better. It’s a chance for Rick to make a real difference.
The course I learnt to play on (St Andrews, South island of NZ, has been reclaimed by nature now) was a bit like this.
The layout was good, there were some really challenging holes, some interesting features, and importantly no bunkers. Using out of bounds, ditches, mounds and hedges really made you think about your shots without costing a load in maintenance.
My favourite hole was this short par 5 (from memory it was about 380m) but the tee was about 20 back from a chute of tall pines. If you pushed or pulled your drive you were going to really struggle. If you striped it down the guts you had a short iron or wedge in, and the green had some nasty slopes to really challenge your placement.
It was all maintained by volunteers from what I remember.
GOD that storage room is literally every man's dream. I would die to have a collection that diverse and extensive. You deserve it though. You're an amazing golfer, educator, reviewer, and youtuber. Absolutely one of my favorite golfers/influencers. Love your videos, Rick. I'm new to golf. VERY NEW. 27, and just started practicing, to play my first full round. I LIVE on a golf course, and never thought I would get into it. Went out once to play a single hole, and I fell in love with it. Watching your videos has taught me A LOT and is one of the reasons I decided to go out and give it a shot! Keep up the great work and thank you for being one of the reasons I started playing!
A good, balanced, and respectful review - courses like this have such an important role in the game, not everyone can fork out big bucks to play golf. It would have been so easy (and so shitty) to just rubbish the place. A bit of a trip down memory lane too - I grew up playing Pennington, as well as Haigh Hall, Bolton Muni and Brackley (now closed, but way worse than Pennington!) - this was before Hart Common (Rick's first club) existed. The trees at Pennington were only about 8ft tall then, so amazing to see how the course looks now. A trip to Hindley Hall (where some of my school mates played) was like going to Gleneagles!
This a good change in content keep it up 👍
Rick you are a one in a million, you realize how , important, it is to keep these old courses open , when there gone there gone , and not everybody has the money to play, the perfect courses , and taking a step back and thinking over the need , to keep these courses going was a breath of fresh air!!! Nice touch with giving away the clubs .. you earned my respect!!!
A nice touch by donating the golf clubs. I like that! Well done Rick! 😀
So glad you found some positives in reviewing this course. The world needs entry level budget golf so everyone has a chance to enjoy the game. Some of my fond memories of golf as a kid are my dad taking us to a $3 per round 9 hole track where there were more laughs and smiles than any pretentious fancy place could imagine. We need more courses with prices for average working class people; I belong to a private club and there are plenty of snobs and narcissists there; if the courses for the “every man” could keep a decent pace and access, I’d like to go back.
Should sponsor this course, Rick. Put a little of your fortune their way. Give back to the game which has made you a very decent living and generate some good publicity...
Agreed, this would be a great way to give back to the game and his community! I'm sure it would be very fulfilling to play neglected courses, help them out, then come back say a year later and see what improvements they've been able to make.
What, because its 20 minutes from his house ?? Thats utterly daft. Its a municipal course. A “little” funding wouldnt scratch the sides.
Far better ways to help the game than bale out overspending, wasteful councils.
@IverKnackerov you're writing off all the people who can't afford country club memberships. Sure he doesn't 'need' to contribute. We were pointing out that it would be a good idea for philanthropy. And what better course to contribute to than a local one that could really use it?
@@IverKnackerov (Rick's burner account)
Loose change for Rick!
Having lived over the canal at the far end of Pennington, this was a course I've played quite a lot, exept in the wet months (they close the course, usually). Love that you've given it this exposure. I live in Spain now so don't have the problem of a wet course that often!
I swear 8:19 the guy realized it was you and started to mow a few holes before you got them. lol
Thankyou so much for playing penning GC. it's my local course. I live in lowton. Also it's the first golf course I played when I got into golf a few years back. Playing such a hard course because it's so badly maintained, actually made me a better player. Me and my friend have a saying about penny GC. It doesn't matter if your in the fairway or in the rough, your still in the rough lol. I've played so many great courses since. Worsley Marriott. Definitely the best course I've played so far.
Pennington Flash is the place that me and loads of people 30 years ago learned to love golf. Not played it in 25 years, but it hasn't changed much. But Rick is absolutely right, you need courses like this to get you into the game. I'm still playing 30 years later and it's because of places like this. And Pennington Country Park is a lovely place for families to visit. Great content Rick ⛳️
Rick, I love the videos. Thanks for investing time into your content. Shout out to the editor and admins too!
I always give these courses 5 stars. Whether new to the game or not. Places like this bring people out to enjoy the game. And you hit the nail on the head, you, your buddies, and one set of broken down, second hand clubs. Always a good time!
Fantastic video. As a newcomer to the game me and my mates had our first few rounds on here. Its ideal for beginners - it's cheap and cheerful and welcoming. Its not intimidating like golf clubs can be. It has a special place in my heart like someone else mentioned in the comments. These places are vital to encourage new people into the game. Touch of class at the end donating the clubs.
Need The Links at Victoria next
Bobby Fairways can take him.
They should do an update video now they are on the tour!
Loved the little chat you had with the staff about how a course ends up like this. With no budget, its a miracle this place is still open. Would love you to visit our place, maybe our regulars wouldn't complain as much as they do haha
I play on a municipal course myself. Always people walking their dogs across the middle And looking at you like you shouldn't be there .
Great review. Accessibility in golf is always a huge plus. If you're a beginner golfer like myself, having a cheap course to practice your swing somewhere other than a driving range is sometimes all you need. I'd be happy to play here, especially as the greens give me an excuse for 3 putting. 😄
Too many people expect their local to be Augusta on arrival. They do well to offer a playable golf course on next to no budget or funding.
Rick, love this video! Lower production value, just you having fun, playing golf. I feel more connected to you vs. the high production value Break 75 videos. Mix in more of these, shows the love of the game we all have.
Nothing wrong with a Unkept bunker. it is meant to be avoided at the end of the day.
This is true, but if it's full of cat turds, it's a health hazard.
I'm in USA we've had no rain this summer in West Virginia and alot of courses are dead. We do have the Greenbrier where they play liv golf but it is unaffordable.. I played a local course that's actually got grass Sunday and the greens were not mowed and the due was thick. The greens were almost an inch tall. I was force putting balls in the morning and then in the afternoon over putting everything. These couses will teach u to be flexible.
I can’t agree more. Cheaper less maintained course with layouts that make you feel like you have to make a good shot is outstanding. I can’t talk my casual golfer friends into spending 25-40 dollars per golfer when they are new at it. 7-10 would be great for 9 holes and just enjoy getting out. It’s so much better than just going to a driving range
Especially small par 3 courses, they are great for short game practice.
I like Rick's review, pretty positive outlook. I grew up in Lowton (St Marys) to the west of the Flash mostly known locally as Lowton or Pennington Flash. The "Country Park" Golf Course is constructed at least partly on slag heaps from Bickershaw Colliery, one of the last three in a system linked by under ground with with Newton Le Willows and Golborne Collieries a few miles away. I used to fish the Flash for Perch and Pike, in an amateur fashion. Pennington had a lovely Park and Lilford in Leigh but when Wigan Metropolitan Authority took over they stripped the animals they had and underfunded everything in favour of Wigan, not exactly famous for it's beauty but was good for pubs, humor and rugby league. Rick is from Bolton and played Golf at Westhoughton (decent village/town) first according to the net data. He will likely know the area. Pennington is the posh part of Leigh and Lowton was an ok place to be brought up. I love the people in this area of SW Lancs, as was.
I hope this video brings some funding to the course. If this course were in Southern CA, it would be booked out every weekend.
I hope so too. The reviews at the beginning made me sad. It's so easy for people to get on the internet and say a place is garbage, meanwhile the staff working there are doing the best they can with the resources they have available. I hope they're able to stay open, I hope more people give them a fair shake, and maybe they'll get a little more funding to make some improvements. Golf courses like this need to exist.
Man, to donate those clubs as well was a class act, and i completely agree with you that these cheap, accessible courses are a must for budding golfers. Plus, what you do for golf must also not go unnoticed! Cheers! 👊🤘
When you click thinking its going to be your local
I've seen worse here in Australia. We have some courses in dry areas of the country that don't even have real greens. They have an area covered with a mix of sand and sump oil as the "green." The flag is basically a flat rake that you use to make a scrap line from your ball to the hole. You can't land the ball on them either. You have to run it up onto the green, or else it would just bounce off.
Still better then most courses I play for 20$ 😂
A great review Rick. I have played Pennington Flash for thirty years. The course is a lovely little course but isn’t looked after. Wigan council are letting us all down. Thank you for not being too harsh on the course. Appreciated.
For £6 I genuinely think it's great value, I'd play all the time if I lived close.
I used to play a lot of golf as a junior but I can't get around to it anymore, largely because of the high green fees. £60-£80 is standard for 18 holes in my area and memberships go for around $1000/year. My junior membership was £120 (and it was a great course too) - now it's £700/year + a £1600 entry fee (non-refundable).
Really really enjoyed this more relaxed vlog style video of a course that is very relatable. Would love to see a few legit break 75s on bang average courses every now and again
Great video, I actually have a course very similar to this close to where I live in the states. It’s 9 holes, “bunkers,” super furry greens, etc. but it’s $15 and an absolute blast with my high handicap/little experience golf friends. These help get people into golf without being intimidated, glad you could show this place off and kudos for donating some clubs for others to use.
Nice vid!! Way better having more of this kind of golfcourses for youngsters than the new stuffy richkid designercourse!
Only 1 practice green and small pratice bunker thats ok/good enough to practice on for the ambious kids is a ‘must-have’.
Rest of the game is good practice even with these conditions 👌
Found a new respect for you and your channel. What a tremendous act of kindness to review this course as positive as you can and to donate those clubs to help future golfers discover this wonderful game we have come to love, hate and admire at the same time. Tip of the hat to you. Cheers
You’re exactly spot on regarding this course being a great place for new golfers to start playing !
And what a kind contribution to the club house at the end 🥰
When my father passed away he had about 10 old sets of clubs that he had collected…
I gave them to a clubhouse to use for their junior program 🤩
on raking bunkers, in the beginning all bunkers were originally seen as waste areas and unmaintained. Bunkers are hazards and are supposed to be penalising. In the 1934 edition of the R&A's Rules of Golf they just say you should fill any holes you made in a bunker, there is no mention of rakes. Watching Bobby Jones, How I play golf, from 1031 he shows how to handle a ball in a heel print. There is no mentioning of raking bunkers there.
This is a great video. Nice to have this sort of content amongst the amazing courses you play. Lovely touch to donate the sets too
Nice and respectful video review, well done ☺I learned the game of golf also in small local club hidden in the landscape of east Germany with fair fees. It was great to play without pressure and to try different aspects of the game what is not possible on bigger courses where I may never would have started to play golf.
Great video Rick and great idea. Think someone mentioned it already about playing course that we the subscribers play. Really interesting seeing how you get on on courses that are relatable to us.
Cracking gesture from Rick at the end. He’s right, these public courses are what help get some kids into the sport, or even let adults play, learn or exercise on a budget and without the stuffiness that often comes with a private course. What do folk expect for £6.50 ?
Well done Rick and team, great video. Inner city golf has been forgotten by the powers that be. No funding, not only from local councils, but England Golf are shameful on their support to grassroots golf courses. The stepping stone that most take in to golf will soon be none existent. Millions being earned at the top, while some of the grassroot courses have to choose between Cutting greens or maintaining bunkers. Thanks for featuring the struggle that is so real for many courses, keep up the good work and please keep featuring the small courses that day in and day out feed Golf with eager new golfers all over the world....
Wonderful review of a place that's been hit by hard times. Real respect for helping them out at the end too. Sport needs more people like you, Rick. Keep it up
It's probably a great loop for many a golfer of all ages to enjoy an affordable round.
In the fareway, we would simply drag the ball onto some grass near it's landing.
In the bunkers, we would lift the ball, rake, drop and play. Maybe bring our own small rake.
If the green had a bad area, we would move to a better area nearby.
Great place to start.
Back when I started the game we had two courses in our town. One a country club (that I couldn’t afford and too embarrassed to play with my 28 handicap) the other a 9 hole course on an old college campus. I wouldn’t be playing today if I didn’t have the 9 hole course to play. Thanks Rick!! Brought back memories.
A truly public-spirited video. Whether this course ever does get the funding it needs, there'll always be courses that leave something to be desired. And we've all played on them at some stage. The fact remains that if you're an ordinary civilian playing ordinary golf, with little more aspiration than to have a pleasant walk and hit some decent shots here and there, then cheap and accessible courses like this serve a vital function.
And for beginners and kids, a course like this is gold.
I was really glad that Rick saw the value in it and had the generosity of spirit to say so.
Best review you have done for a long time!
This is probably a truer reflection of the golf experience for many golfers, especially when starting out.
Like when you did west midlands golf course review. These courses are what most will play on week in and week out.
Good review of this course and glad you didn’t rip it apart with negativity and loving the touch at the end it really meant a lot to him giving your clubs what a class man you are 👍👍👍
Love it. The worst (and best) course I've played is a 9 holer at Haven Hafyn Y Mor in Wales. The course is overlooking Cardigan Bay and also has views of Snowdonia. It is stunning. However, Haven have spent nothing in the upkeep, the bunkers have no sand, the greens a patchy at best and there are no boxes or markers on the tees. It's annoying as Haven aren't short of money and a little bit of expenditure would make it an amazing 9 hole course.
The ending was proof that Rick is not just a golf content creator, he is a true gentleman of our sport! Keep it up Rick!
Good honest review. It's such a shame that courses like this one aren't given more funding, it's a great place to start golf, without all the rules and restrictions.
Had a local 9 hole course when I lived in Missouri that was similar with the vibe of the place. Had a sweet old lady who worked the clubhouse. Was a 9 hole course that cost 13$, but included a hot dog, chips and a drink. Out in the country and no dress code. The course had some interesting holes and was decently maintained. It became my favorite place to play. It was always a fun relaxing time.
Good on you Rick. When you are new to golf, a course that is quiet, so you don’t feel rushed, is ideal. Too many courses are so busy a new golfer can feel pressured and uneasy. Hope the course picks up from your video.
I played a course in the US in Savanah, Ga. I don't remember the real course name but everybody called it the 16penny course, as in a 16p nail. I found out why on the first tee box. The ground was so hard I couldn't get a tee in the ground. You needed a nail to make a hole in the ground to put the tee in. Tried to hammer a wooden tee in with my club and smash the tee to bits. Fairways and greens were just as hard. It was a tough day.
@ricksheilspga that was a very generous thing you did with those clubs at the end of the vid pal. Great to see that. Keep up the good work rick hopefully il get the chance to play a round with ya one day mate all the best 👍🏼
Love your videos Rick, thanks for the great content. I would love to see what your store room entails for your collection of clubs!
Good on you Rick, a lot of us started on “muni’s” that was our gateway into playing, crack of dawn dropping your ball into the starter rack on the 1st hole. Hope courses such Pennington Flash survive and flourish.