At a colossal 7072 yards in length from the tee on the first hole all the way round to pin on the eighteenth, the course at Ballards Gore Golf Club, just a couple of minutes north of Rochford, is certainly amongst the largest in the region. Because of that, good stamina is an absolutely pre-requisite to have before you set out on the first tee. And don't go hell for leather on the opening stretch of holes or you will wear yourself out for the slightly more undulating back nine.

Obviously, it goes without saying that the course is hugely popular, particularly with the big hitters, and maybe is more suited to the slightly more experienced player.