David, who was hitting the ball about 50 yards past me every shot, had highlighted the ninth as his favourite before we'd even left the practice putting green.
And with his big-hitting I could see why. It's one of those 'risk and reward' shots where the brave can try and drill the tee shot through a narrow gap of trees and over a ditch. I chickened out and made a double bogey the 'safe way'.
It's clear when moving on to the back nine that there's a much newer feel to the holes but the mature trees and thick rough do give it some maturity. The second half is built on a sandier soil and means golfers can still enjoy nine holes when the other side gets a little soggy in wet periods.
Built in 1998/99 and opened in September 2000, the back nine offers a very different challenge to the original nine. The 10th, 11th, 12th and 16th holes all weave their merry way around an attractive lake which is a haven for wildlife and is leased out to local anglers. The land is much more undulating than on the other side. There's a couple of awkward uphill par fours while the 10th and 12th are testing little par threes.
In addition to the added nine, another recent improvement is the catering facilities. In previous years Knights Grange had been unable to offer food and beverage to the hungry and thirsty golfer but now the Knights Grange public house, adjacent to the complex's reception area, is able to provide hot and cold food as well as that all important pint.
This facility has led to an increase in visiting societies and has come as a boost to the regular vets, ladies and men's sections who play their weekly events here.
Now I mustn't get carried away. Royal Birkdale, Sandiway, Carden Park, this is not. David summed it up perfectly when he said: 'We are not claiming to be the 'Wentworth of Cheshire' but, at just £8.90 for 18 holes in midweek, we know we provide fantastic value for money.'
Leisure manager Pam Littler is as proud of the complex as David is. 'I have an excellent team of staff working here. They all take pride in the presentation of the course and all the hard work is really starting to pay off,' she said.
