In 1895, the Royal Liverpool club moved from the Royal Hotel – run by the family of the champion amateur golfer, John Ball Jr – to its purpose built clubhouse which it still occupies today. It was shortly after this that the club acquired additional land – allowing for #HoylakeTelegraph to be built.
This plays as Stroke Index 1, and from
the back tees, it’s easy to see why. A carry of over 200 yards is required to reach the fairway – with a gorse bush to the right a prickly grave for any pushed drive.
Staying left makes for the safer drive; but the more difficult second. Due to the length of the hole, and the fact it plays down the prevailing wind, it is often necessary to pitch the ball short of the green and allow it to run up to the hole. The two bunkers protecting the left side of the green mean there is a distinct advantage in approaching from the right.
The name ‘Telegraph’ derives from a line of poles that used to cross the fairway carrying the telegraph wire to the Lookout Station on Hilbre Island. This wire now runs underground, and the hole name is the only enduring reference to the telegraph poles.
As part of Martin Ebert’s changes over the winter, this green and rolling surround was moved to the left – allowing a new teeing ground to be created for the 6th hole. The strategic test of the hole has been preserved, however, and the benefit from a bold drive down the right hand side of the fairway remains.
A great test of nerve and ball striking.
