The course starts with a short uphill par 4 where good position from the tee is vital. Visitors in particular will need to guard against being distracted by the stunning views of Sidmouth, Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast

Turning at the nearest point to the sea the course now plays inland to the 9th green. The approach to the 2nd green is best played from the right side of the fairway and all but the very longest hitters will benefit from walking ahead slightly to survey the position of the green.

After a gentle introduction comes probably the most difficult hole on the course. A drive towards the lone tree in the fairway gives the ideal angle for a second shot but be careful not to finish behind it. The approach shot will be a long one to a small, sloping green perched perilously close to the trees on the left side.

Only a short iron for the majority but be careful to avoid the tree to the right and don''t be fooled by the slope as the bank on the left is covered in long grass and a large bunker sits hidden close by the edge of the green.

This wide looking hole requires an accurate shot to lay the ball on the putting surface. Anything directly at the green will kick away to the right-hand bunkers whilst those too far up the hill will stay there leaving a tricky chip, particularly if the hole is cut at the rear of the green.

After passing through the woods to the outer 9 comes the last of this trio of par 3s. Be careful to note the position of both the tee markers and the hole as both tee and green are long and suitable adjustment should be made. Another accurate shot is required and slicers will not enjoy this one with woods to the left and a slope away to the right.

At last, a little room and a chance to open the shoulders - just the one small lone tree needs to be avoided. The second shot is played uphill and across the slope which results in many balls in the right-hand bunker and beyond. The green has fooled many as the slope is not always what might be expected.

This is a long par 4 but with a gentle start. Long hitters should try to hug the trees on the left to get maximum distance from their drive if they have hopes of reaching in 2. The ground rises to the green and the approach shot must be struck cleanly or it will not make it. And to complete the stroke 1 hole is a green which rises in the middle and pushes the ball away to the fringes.

A pretty little hole with the approach played through a gap in the trees. Position from the tee is the key to leaving a clear shot to the flag. Not a difficult hole if played correctly but many a good front nine has been ruined.

Take a chance to savour the view, gather your breath and try to drive the green over 350 yards away! Beware of the trees on either side but once the tee shot is negotiated it is downhill all the way.

We now make the only deviation from the true linear layout as we turn eastwards across the lane to a raised green. This may be the most daunting shot on the course with heather and bushes in front and trees on either side. One of the flatter greens but very little depth so correct club selection is essential. With a stroke index of 2 many should be happy with a 4.

Back down over the lane and playing much shorter than its sister hole just completed, this is a notoriously difficult green to find with trees on the right, a slope away to the left and bunkers in front. It''s another dangerous shot with a miscue certain to catch the trees and a second ball from the tee likely to result.

The only par 5 on the course and a good birdie chance. Perhaps unusually for a par 5, the key to the tee shot is accuracy with a ditch on the right and thick rough and trees on the low side. Find the correct line and the ball should gallop on and across the slope to gain valuable extra yardage. If this is achieved then an inviting approach awaits although visitors may find the sloping fairway difficult to play from.

The final pair of short holes starts with a testing shot to an angled green. Favour the right side and the ball may use the slope to your advantage. Miss on the left and a tricky pitch or bunker shot will result. The green is two-tiered with much slope on the lower portion and a rare area of flat ground above.

Back through the woods and headed straight for the clubhouse, the final short hole is a testing one with a tree on the left side pushing players up the hill and away from the green. Two sand bunkers may catch the eye and lead you to thinking that the green is nearer than it actually is. A simple bowl of a green conceals a devilish range of hole positions which often leads to an infuriating three putt.

As we return towards the coast the wind may well become a factor and will often influence tactics on this challenging par 4. With the wind behind many will choose a positional tee shot, hopefully to the left side of the fairway, whereas wind against will demand full power if the green is to be found in regulation. Do not panic if you hear the locals refer to the "Snake Pit'' as there are no snakes in the dip in the fairway but it is still best avoided. An accurate approach will be required.

The blind tee shot should favour the left side for the best angle of approach but many will guard against the out of bounds and trees further left. Balls played right of centre risk becoming entangled in trees or falling to the bottom of the chasm of a bunker which lies in wait an awkward distance from the green. The 17th is often thought of as an easy hole and powerful hitters can reach the green but a misdirected tee shot may create problems which are not easily overcome.

The shorter hitter will play to the brow of the hill and beyond to leave an inviting shot down the hill. The longer hitter will consider trying to drive the green but will not want to risk causing alarm in the clubhouse if he veers to the left. The approach to the green requires the most delicate of touches to finish in the right area or three putts, or more, on a large, sloping two-tier green are a distinct possibility.