The Berkshire Golf Club (Red course)

The Berkshire Golf Club (Red course): the terrain over which The Berkshire's two courses roam was once used for military training purposes. In those days, a so-called Red army would engage in mock-battle with an opposing Blue army. Today the Red and Blue courses at The Berkshire are not remotely in conflict; both are beautiful examples of "heathland" courses. Which is the higher ranking of the two? Perhaps the slightly bigger dimension and more expansive Red, but there's really little to choose between the two.

Six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s make up the well-balanced and always picturesque Red course. The pleasant, though never tiring undulations of the sand-based terrain, are host to many wonderfully elevated tees, which offer stunning views of the hole ahead, not least when the heather is in full flower in the summer. Beautiful as the heather may look, it creates some long carries from the tee on several holes. There's also tough recovery shots to be made, should you stray too far beyond the always good-width fairways.

To keep you on your toes, the Red course is laced with a fine array of tactical defences. On several holes fairway-crossing ditches will need to be avoided, while accurate approach work will hopefully keep you out of the stylishly crafted heather-trimmed bunkers. On the fast and subtly sloping greens, your putting skills will be duly put to the test. But be assured, when "battle" commences at The Berkshire, you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

Pick of the holes: the intimidating par-3 10th, at the highest part of the course, deserves special mention. The challenge is to clear a a huge bank of heather that cascades down from the large elevated green. While enjoying this high point on the course, you'll also be treated to another terrific raised tee, from which the straightaway short par-4 11th handsomely stretches out in front of you.