Nestled amid the rolling woodlands of the North Downs, Westerham Golf Club has built a reputation as one of the South East’s most popular golfing destinations since opening back in 1997.

However, the Altonwood Board, which own and operate 5 courses in Surrey and Kent, saw an opportunity to significantly improve an already successful venue at Westerham.

Investment of £2 million pounds during the past four years has seen the course move to a new level. Managing Director Simon Hodsdon said “We have a unique opportunity with the site here and the aim is to offer quality golf for 12 months of the year.”

Working alongside John Nicholson, an industry renowned tree management expert, a five-year plan was devised to improve the course.

The Plan is in its final year, with the playing corridors widened to create a fairer, more rewarding course.

Stunning views have been created and playing surfaces have improved all year round. The work has uncovered thousands of pine trees across the course, many of which were hidden by unmanaged woodland.

It really has invigorated the site, and feedback has been universally positive.

FURTHER INVESTMENT

Highly respected golf course architect Alan Walker has also been involved in the project during this period, advising on all aspects of the improvements.

Ten new tees have been constructed and are now in play, providing larger, improved surfaces with more tee positions and additional length on some holes.

It means that even during the winter the tees are in great condition, and any temporary surfaces are a thing of the past.

Buggy paths run the length of the course, and these have been resurfaced throughout.

This has significantly improved the experience of buggy and trolley users, as well as tidying the course. Further investment has just been made in a fleet of new lithium powered buggies.

PRACTICE UPGRADE

The driving range has recently been extended to 15 bays with Huxley matting and Toptracer technology added, to enhance Westerham’s already first-class practice facilities.

Together with an 8-acre short game area, practice bunker & putting green, provide the perfect opportunity to warm up before your round.

Alongside the main course, Westerham offers the 9-hole Churchill course, a fun par-three layout which enables juniors and adults alike to develop their skills before progressing to the main course, while also providing good players with a chance to sharpen up their wedge game.

BUNKERING

Further investment is planned as the business is about to commence on a bunker enhancement programme which will happen over the next 2 years.

Reconstruction of the existing bunkers will take place and then liner and eco turf revetting will be added.

Premium China Clay white sand will be used which with the liner will retain its colour and remain free from stone and weed contamination.

A small number of strategic bunkers will be added as well as removal of some obsolete hazards.

An audit of the club’s irrigation system will be taking place this winter with investigation into an upgrade to full fairway irrigation being planned.

“We are delighted that the Board have backed this investment. The feedback from golfers has been universally positive and this has been reinforced by the ever increasing popularity of the venue” says Simon Hodsdon.

WELCOME HOME

Another part of Westerham’s appeal lies in its ability to deliver a complete day out. The spacious clubhouse sits proudly overlooking the 9th and 18th greens, with its sun-drenched terrace a favourite spot in summer, perfect for a post-round drink while watching groups come home.

Inside, golfers and guests find a warm welcome. The restaurant and the recently refurbished spike bar serve everything from hearty breakfasts to refined dining, with menus that celebrate fresh, seasonal produce.

Whether it’s a quick sandwich between rounds or a celebratory dinner after a competition, the service and setting always hit the mark.

The clubhouse also doubles as a sought-after events venue. With panoramic views, elegant function rooms and impeccable service, Westerham has become a favourite for weddings, parties, well-being days and corporate events.

PLAYING WESTERHAM

Westerham’s 7-day membership is closed with a waiting list in place.

The limited number of membership spaces means green fees are available throughout the week, including weekend mornings. The current peak rate of £75 offers excellent value for money and times are offered from 06:00 during the summer months.

With all the facilities on offer, Westerham is ideally set up to deal with golf days of any size.

Corporate Golf and Well Being Days have proved very popular, with companies such as NBC, BDW Homes, Hiscox, QBE, London Stock Exchange & Barclays regularly entertaining clients & staff.

Accessible from London and all corners of the south-east, make it a go-to venue for green fee payers and golf days alike.

For more details, including corporate golf, society packages and tee time bookings, visit westerhamgc.co.uk or call 01959 567100 to speak to a member of the team.

 

OTHER ALTONWOOD GROUP CLUBS

SURREY NATIONAL GC

www.surreynational.co.uk | 01883 344555

Covering in excess of 200 acres, Surrey National is a Championship course approaching 7,000 yards from the Championship tees and 6,300 from the daily play tees. The course meanders through dramatic rolling countryside, populated by thousands of mature trees which further enhance the appeal of the setting. Surrey National welcomes visitors, corporate days and societies to play its course and enjoy hospitality in its magnificent clubhouse.

WOLDINGHAM GC

www.woldinghamgc.co.uk | 01883 653501

Nestled in the serenity of the Halliloo Valley just north of Woldingham, in the heart of the Surrey North Downs, The excellent course and facilities have become a popular destination for both golfers and events planners. The course is built on a chalk base, excellent for drainage which, together with the USGA specification greens, allows year-round play.

GODSTONE GC

www.godstone-golfclub.co.uk | 01883 742333

Located just 800 yards from junction 6 of the M25, Godstone Golf Club is a 9 hole, full length course in excess of 3000 yards.

Three new lakes, linked by a freshwater stream, add interest and a degree of difficulty to the layout and, with three tees serving each hole, it is possible to play the 9 holes twice with varying tee positions.

The quality of the holes and course is exceptional and has been welcomed by regular golfers as well as those just taking up the game.

THE ADDINGTON GC

www.addingtongolf.com | 0208 777 1055

The Addington embarked on a project with Architects Clayton, De Vries & Pont in 2020 to restore the course back to its original grandeur and reinstate the strategic design principles from 1913.

The key aim is to restore one of the finest Golden Age courses in The British Isles and couple it with first-class hospitality and service. This work will see The Addington once again regarded amongst the best inland courses of Great Britain.

 

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A HIGHLAND GEM WITH A PROUD LEGACY

Set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club is one of the most scenic and historic golf venues in the Highlands.

Established in 1890 and designed by the legendary Willie Park with later input from James Braid, this charming 18-hole course offers a unique blend of heritage, playability, and natural beauty.

THE COURSE

Measuring 5,710 yards with a par of 70 and a Standard Scratch Score of 68, the course may not be long by modern standards, but it presents a fair challenge to golfers of all abilities.

What sets it apart is its natural division into three distinct sections: the opening holes stretch over flat parkland, the challenging middle section through Highland pine forest, and the final stretch returns to undulating parkland, each offering a new perspective and a fresh test of skill.

Nestled in leafy surroundings and looked over by the striking Cairngorm mountains, the course is renowned for its tranquillity, wildlife, and panoramic views of the Cromdale Hills.

LOCAL WILDLIFE

Red deer, oyster catchers, and a host of native birds add to the rich Highland atmosphere that draws visitors from far and wide.

Located just 35 miles southeast of Inverness, in the small and welcoming town of Grantown- on-Spey, the club is a favourite among golfing societies thanks to its friendly welcome, traditional charm, and inviting layout.

The warm hospitality extends to the classic Clubhouse, perfectly positioned beside the first tee, where hearty meals and a well-stocked bar await.

Your Gateway to the Cairngorms; set amidst the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, Grantown On Spey Golf Club offers not only an exceptional golfing experience but also access to a wealth of outdoor activities.

With world- renowned whisky distilleries, prime fishing spots, and the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms right on our doorstep, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had.

NEW HISTORY CHAPTER

Now, in 2025, Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club adds a new chapter to its rich story with the launch of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience – an immersive tribute to the town’s famous golfing son.

Born in Grantown-on-Spey in 1894, just 400 yards from what was then the original nine-hole course, Bobby Cruickshank discovered golf on the very fairways that many still enjoy today.

As a young boy, he learned the game and caddied at the local club, revealing his exceptional talent.

His promising ability led to a life-changing move to Edinburgh under the guardianship of the Usher brewing family, where he furthered both his education and athletic development.

That early foundation set him on a remarkable path – one defined by resilience, determination, and triumph, culminating in a celebrated career on the American circuit.

ROAD TO GREATNESS

Bobby’s journey to golfing greatness was shaped not only by talent but by extraordinary resilience. His life took a dramatic turn when he enlisted to serve in World War I, facing the brutal realities of the Somme and Passchendaele, where he tragically lost his brother, John.

Later captured as a prisoner of war, the first captive he encountered was a dysentery ridden Sandy Armour, his pre-war golf coach. By sourcing horse meat from the trenches he was able to nurse him back to health.

Bobby managed to escape by demonstrating the same courage and determination that would define his golfing career.

After the war, he channelled that spirit into his sport, going on to become one of the most successful professional golfers of his time.

After emigrating to America in 1921, he won an impressive 25 Tournaments, was the 1927 leading money winner and finished runner-up in the U.S. Open on two occasions, including a dramatic playoff against the legendary Bobby Jones in 1923.

This playoff led to a lifelong friendship between the Bobbys. His golfing prowess saw him rub shoulders with Hollywood icons and famous figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd, the Duke of Windsor and the Duke of Marlboro.

His retirement party in 1965 was attended by Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, and many other golfing greats.

EXPERIENCE DETAILS

The Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience includes a round on the original nine-hole course using period equipment.

Guests will also enjoy a short film and exhibition dedicated to Bobby’s life, including photographs, stories, and a display of rare memorabilia – featuring his famous Auchterlonie putter.

The experience is about much more than golf with vintage equipment. It’s a celebration of place and legacy, a way to reconnect with the spirit of Scottish golf in one of its most charming and historically rich settings.

Grantown-on- Spey is not just a backdrop – it’s where Bobby Cruickshank’s lifelong love of the game was forged among the hills, heather, and fairways of Strathspey.

To complete the Highland welcome, participants are treated to a nip of Speyside malt whisky, with an optional whisky tasting as part of the package. It’s an experience that brings together history, heritage, and hospitality in a uniquely Scottish way.

The initiative has the full support of Bobby’s granddaughter, Diana Smith, who has donated family keepsakes and personal stories to enrich the experience.

Diana Smith commented:

“My grandfather would have loved this! He would have been out there showing everyone how to hit hickory clubs while sharing a laugh.

The creation of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience in his honor is such a fitting tribute to his love for the game. When I think of Bobby, the first word that comes to mind is fun. He always brought such warmth and joy to everything he did.

“The Highlands were his heart and soul. He had a special fondness for Grantown on Spey, the golf course, and the River Spey where he would often spend his days fishing.

And, of course, he could never turn down a wee dram of whisky! I’ve had the pleasure of playing at the course many times – it’s a hidden gem with a charm that’s hard to beat. “

With support from the Berry Burn Community Fund and the wider Highland community, the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience is a celebration of one of our golfing greats, ensuring the spirit of the game lives on for future generations to come.

To complete the Highland welcome, guests are offered a dram of Speyside malt whisky, with the option to enjoy a full whisky tasting as part of the package.

It’s an experience that weaves together Scotland’s rich history, heritage, and hospitality.

The Dram Caddy delivers a one-of-a-kind journey, pairing world-class golf with exclusive whisky tastings – guided by local expert and enthusiast, Hamish Malcolm

For more information and bookings, visit

bobbycruickshankhickoryexperience.co.uk

or call 01479 872079.

 

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As Bush Hill Park Golf Club celebrates its 130th year, it proudly reflects on its rich history while looking ahead to a bright and sustainable future.

Nestled within 100 acres of tranquil parkland, just a short walk from Enfield town centre and a short drive from the M25, this historic club has been a welcoming home from home for golfers for over 130 years – and looks set to remain so for generations to come.

Beyond its stunning setting and impressive heritage, Bush Hill Park has earned a reputation for excellence, winning Golf Club of the Year five times – a nod from England Golf plus four in the prestigious Club Mirror Awards.

Despite its long history, the Club continues to evolve with a forward- thinking approach to sustainability and inclusivity.

BRAID TEST

The 18-hole course, designed by the legendary James Braid, may not be the longest at 5,776 yards, but its challenging layout ensures that golfers of all abilities must bring their best game.

Narrow, tree-lined fairways, well- placed hazards, and a memorable closing stretch from holes 13 -18 – including water features on the par three 13th and par four 17th offer an enjoyable and strategic test for all players.

With dedicated resources, the Club has reinforced its commitment to sustainability both on and o the course, and that golf can become a valued leader in sustainability.

In 2024, it became a proud signatory to the Sports for Nature Framework.

One of a few golf clubs in the UK to join the initiative, which intends to tap sports’ enormous potential to take on ambitious goals and drive positive change, it further marks their commitment to join the global e ort to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration.

The Club’s sustainability goal for 2025 is to become GEO Certified. The process of attaining this accreditation aims to improve golf’s social and environmental contribution, and harness golf’s reach and influence to drive wider awareness and behaviour change.

MANSION CLUBHOUSE

On the course, the elegant Old Park Mansion clubhouse, home to members since 1922, continues to provide first- class facilities. Whether enjoying a drink on the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the 18th green, dining in the restaurant, or attending one of the club’s many social events, members and guests can enjoy a vibrant, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

The clubhouse also boasts modern function rooms, three bars, and stylishly designed social spaces, making it a fantastic venue for all occasions.

Bush Hill Park is proud to be a progressive and inclusive club, offering a range of membership options to suit all golfers.

The highly successful Women Driving Forward Programme has significantly increased female participation with 25% of the membership accounted for by women.

The Programme has recently merged with the Bush Hill Park Academy that’s open to all newcomers to the game.

The Club is committed to enhancing the value of membership, with a strong focus on expanding member benefits through a wellness-driven approach. This includes fostering community connections by offering complimentary outdoor Stretch on the Green sessions in partnership with the local Nuffield Health branch, as well as exclusive rates at a nearby sports club. Additionally, members enjoy free Country Membership with MASHIE Golf.

With a perfect balance of heritage, modernity, and sustainability, Bush Hill Park Golf Club continues to set the standard for what a great golf club should be.

Its commitment to excellence ensures that it remains not just a place to play golf, but a true community for its members – one that will continue to thrive for many years to come.

To explore membership opportunities, tee-time and golf day bookings, please call on 020 3146 9890, or email enquiries@bhpgc.com or visit bhpgc.com

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Judging by the number of cars making use of the overflow car park on a weekday summer’s afternoon, Horsham Golf is one of many golf clubs up and down the country that is enjoying the fruits of golf’s current popularity.

And while the boom in the number of rounds played back in the Covid years were welcome at the time, not all golf clubs have managed to maintain the momentum that was generated during that period or hold on to the new golfers that took up the game in the absence of other sources of outdoor sport during the height of the pandemic.

And, while Horsham Golf clearly benefitted from the boom, it has positively thrived in the years since, with continued investment leading to a busy tee sheet on its 18-hole Oaks Course, while the number of players of all ages lining up to play its 9-hole, par-3 Firs Course, and the queues to make use of its 16-bay covered driving range, provide all the evidence that this is a club that has clearly got things right when it comes to attracting the complete spectrum of golfers.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY GOLF

Part of the golfing landscape since 1994, when it first opened as a 9-hole course, Horsham Golf moved to another level in 2016 when it expanded to 18 holes after purchasing some land from a neighboring farm. The reconfigured layout also freed up some space to create a new par-3 course, which provided somewhere for those new to the game to hone their skills in a more relaxed environment.

Add to those courses a modern driving range, short game areas, expansive pro shop and an experienced team of PGA Professionals, Horsham Golf has created a clear pathway for golfers coming into the game to progress from absolute beginner to single figure player.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE

The par-70 Oaks Course offers a choice of five tees, measuring 6,111 yards off the championship [black] tees, 5,725 from the blues, 5,306 from the green, 5,004 from the purple, and 4,755 from the orange. Like many forward-thinking clubs, Horsham has removed gender designations for tees, and you play from the yardage that you feel most comfortable from.

And while it may look short on paper, the tight woodland course is anything put a pushover, with the opening holes carving their way through picturesque, tree-lined avenues before opening to more of a parkland feel in the middle section of the course.

Water comes into play on five holes in the form of ponds and small lakes, with the water feature fronting the par-three 13th green being the visual highlight for golfers as they drive into the club. In another interesting design feature, greenside bunkers have been kept to a minimum to help speed up play, although contoured false fronts on some holes ensure that golfers have to find the putting surface to avoid awkward chip shots from tight lies around the fringes. And there are plenty of expertly placed fairway bunkers to capture anything hit offline from the tee.

The fairways themselves have been beautifully sculpted, with plenty of raised mounding to give each hole a sense of isolation from the others. The large USGA-specification greens roll smoothly, while an extensive drainage system ensures that the course avoids the worst of the squidgy conditions that are common on Sussex’s clay soils, and unlike many courses it remains open for play whatever the weather. With a complete buggy track around the course too Horsham Golf also keep buggies and trollies on all year round making it a go to winter destination in the area.

With green fees starting from as little as £30 for pre-booked afternoon rounds and £42 for pre booked peak tee times, Horsham Golf is also extremely affordable too.

SHARPEN UP YOUR SHORT GAME

The Firs Course features nine holes measuring from 70-130 yards and is ideal for introducing children and new golfers to the game, as well as for fun rounds with friends of all ages. With small greens, and some devilishly difficult pin positions, it’s a great way to sharpen all your short game for all skill levels, and at just £12 for an adult round – £8 for U16s – also represents great value. Sitting alongside the Firs course are 2 chipping and putting greens to sharpen up your short game skills.

SERIOUS PRACTICE & SERIOUS FUN

In addition to the short course, the practice facilities at Horsham are among the best around, with the covered driving range boasting 16 spacious bays, all fitted with side and rear mirrors, heating, and a Flightscope ball-tracking system which not only allows golfers to track their shots in real-time and analyse all manner of detailed performance data (spin rates, dispersion, flight and club path, ball speeds etc.), but also enables users to play golf on a wide choice of virtual courses and fun challenges via the Awesome Golf platform, which allows for plenty of friendly competition from the comfort of your bay – this is golf entertainment at it’s best.

Although the range is podded at just over 60 yards long, it is easily big enough to track the initial trajectory of the ball before the Flightscope radar technology takes over to track the rest of the flight which is displayed on your in-bay screen. The range is also fully floodlit, enabling practice after work and long into the night, with last balls dispensed at 8pm before closing at 9pm during the week.

For those without their own clubs, all the essential kit is available for hire from the pro shop, starting at just £1 for a junior iron.

And for those that want to work on their short game outside of the range environment, there is a large putting green just behind the clubhouse with chipping greens nearby adjacent to the par-3 course – here you will find multiple pin options and lies to hit shots from.

COACHING & CUSTOM FITTING

Horsham Golf has a fitting bay offering all the latest club technology along with a digital loft and lie machine too! The same can be found in their indoor putting studio too so whether you are looking for longer drives, fewer putts or simply more consistency then Horsham Golf can help. The club offers expert fitting service for almost all the major brands in golf allowing customers to test the whole market.

The club also partners with leading golf brands to host fitting days, where specialist fitters from the likes of PING, Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist bringing their own teams down to host events.

For those looking to raise their game and lower their handicap, a team of highly qualified PGA Professionals from MY Golf Academy are on hand to offer one-to-one tuition both on the range and out on the course. There are group sessions for all ages and skill levels run throughout the week, school holiday camps with women-only sessions and groups for beginners and seniors.

 GREAT CHOICE, COMPETITIVE PRICES & EXPERT ADVICE

Horsham Golf’s pro shop is more of a retail emporium and stocks an impressively wide range of equipment from all the leading equipment hardware brands, including Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade, Cobra, Srixon, Titleist and Yonex.

Staffed by a team of friendly pros who are happy to offer advice on prospective purchases, there is also a good choice of footwear, including the latest models from FootJoy, Puma, Under Armour and G/FORE, while the apparel section is generously stocked with a sizeable choice of on-trend brands, including Peter Millar, Puma, Ping, Callaway and Under Armour.

There are also plenty of options if you’re looking for a new golf bag, or to stock up with balls and accessories – and all of them are offered with a price match guarantee. Horsham Golf is also an authorised Motocaddy Service Centre so they can take care of any issues you might have whether it be in or out of warranty.

Beyond trollies, Horsham Golf have an impressive workshop and incredible grip range too offering the complete repair service too. Whether it regrips, a new shaft or change of adaptor, the qualified team can help.

Open seven days a week until late and conveniently located off the A24, and easily accessible from Gatwick, Horsham, Crawley and the surrounding areas, it’s no wonder golfers are travelling to Horsham Golf for all their equipment needs.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Finally, for those in need of refreshment and sustenance, Horsham Golf’s bar and catering facilities are housed above the shop in what was formerly a barn, where a wide range of hot food and cold meals, snacks and drinks can be enjoyed in comfortable surroundings.

With plenty of room to accommodate society golf days and visiting golfers, there is also an outdoor seating area beside the clubhouse, along with a food shack that serves a tasty selection of freshly cooked wood-fired pizzas.

MAKE A BOOKING

To book a round of golf, or to find out details about membership, lessons or club fitting sessions, visit www.horshamgolf.co.uk or call 01403 271525.

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Boasting a stunning parkland course and a recently renovated clubhouse, Bush Hill Park Golf Club in has been enjoying a new lease of life in recent years, with the near 130-year-old north London venue buoyed by a new generation of golfers that have been attracted to the club by a continuous period of investment in the facilities and a new emphasis on inclusivity, first-class hospitality, and a family-friendly ethos

Like many golf clubs in the UK, Bush Hill Park has enjoyed a significant change to the landscape of its membership in recent years, following a revival in golf from both seasoned but previously ‘nomadic’ players, and novices dipping their toe into the game for the first time.

Thanks to the injection of new blood, the club has been able to carry out significant renovations to both the course and the clubhouse that has brought a club that was first founded in 1895, firmly into the 21st century and beyond.

WINNING AWARDS

Stewart Judd, the club’s general manager, who has been in role since 2017, is justifiably proud that Bush Hill Park has become one of the most progressive golf clubs around, and he, and his fellow board members, are determined that the club’s future fortunes are permanently turned around based on the quality of the facilities and the member and visitor experience.

As one of the first clubs in Middlesex to have been awarded England Golf ’s new ‘Respect in Golf ’ accreditation, which recognises a commitment to inspiring a welcoming environment, the club’s progressive attitudes have captured the attention of several major awards in recent years, most recently at the Club Mirror Awards in November 2023 when the club was crowned the Golf Club of the Year Award.

This is the third time the Club has been honoured at these awards following wins in 2019 and 2022, and together with the ‘Golf Club of the Year’ awarded in 2021 by England Golf, marked a quartet of awards.

The judging panels were clearly impressed by developments at the club in the last few years, most notably in respect of women’s golf, which has brought female participation at the club to an all-time high. Nicola Bennett.

DRIVING FORCE

The club’s Senior PGA Professional, and Golf Foundation Ambassador, was recognised in England Golf’s Centenary Awards just last month, where she was the recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Champion award for her impressive work in breaking down barriers for women in golf, and inspiring new golfers from a wide range of backgrounds within the local community and further afield.

Nicola teaches the Club’s Women Driving Forward campaign that sets up a pathway to golf, which has seen hundreds of women and girls take up the game for the first time.

In 2023, she hosted two primary school festivals at Bush Hill Park, accommodating
16 schools and over 200 pupils. She has also run classes for the Muslim Women’s Sports Association and is passionate about inspiring more young people from all backgrounds, particularly girls, into the sport.

Like the rest of the club, Bush Hill Park’s 18-hole course has not stood still. The 5,776-yard parkland layout recently having been which rated the fourth best in Middlesex by respected authority Top100Courses.com.

Neatly contained in just over 100 acres of suburban parkland, the course is not long by modern standards, but its par of 70, and a sextet of tricky par-three holes and four lengthy par fives, ensures that players must bring their ‘A game’ to score well here.

Some of the fairways are narrow, tree-lined affairs, although it broadens out in places to enable big hitters to open their shoulders on the par fives, three of which are well over 500 yards long.

The closing stretch of holes from 13-18 is especially memorable, with water coming into play on the par-four 17th. All in all, it’s an entertaining mix that will provide a challenge to all elements of your game in delightfully peaceful surroundings.

The installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system back in 2018 has proved a life saver as faras the course is concerned during a series of hot summers, most notably in 2022, when many courses burnt to a crisp, and it’s more than paid its way in ensuring that quality playing conditions are maintained throughout the season.

In addition to its impressive golf course, Bush Hill Park also boasts a state-of-the-art swing studio, offering advanced swing analysis technology, including Foresight Sports’ GCQuad launch monitor to create a top-quality teaching and practice facility.

The studio is mainly used for lessons and club fittings but is also available to hire by the hour for individual practice or group games on a simulator.

Besides the course, the leafy North London club, located in Winchmore Hill and less than four miles from junction 25 of the M25, is an impressive destination, reached via a long sweeping driveway through beautiful grounds.

The club attracts visitors and hosts re- visiting societies year after year that enjoy the experience of the Club, which has been greatly enhanced in recent years with the Head Chef and in-house catering team serving an exciting menu in relaxed and recently modernised dining areas.

THE CLUBHOUSE

The clubhouse, the Old Park Mansion, is a locally listed building that has been home to its members since 1922 and provides an impressive venue for all occasions, with function rooms of various sizes, the recently renovated Ridings restaurant, contemporary lounge and sports bar, and spacious changing rooms.

The large patio at the front of the building, overlooking the 18th green, and a veranda at the rear overlooking the first tee, provide great places to enjoy a drink in the sunshine with stunning views of the course, making the club the ideal destination to spend time whether or not you’re playing golf.

The club bucks the trend of having one of the most active and vibrant social scenes in Middlesex, and hosts a diverse calendar of events and dining experiences throughout the year.

Continually evolving the member experience is a priority and has recently included the creation of added benefits with a new member referral scheme, special offers with local partners, and complimentary Country Membership with MASHIE Golf that gives members preferential green fees at premium golf clubs all over the UK.

All in all, the club continues to emerge as a destination for a broad range of players and visitors that are seeking a replete golfing experience.

To discuss summer golf days and membership opportunities, please call 020 3146 9892 or visit www.bhpgc.com.

 

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Like many golf clubs in post-Covid UK, Brocket Hall has enjoyed something of a boom over the last three years. While for some venues the surge in golf participation has served to add the icing to the top of an already well-baked cake, for Brocket Hall the renewed interest in golf club membership has provided something of a lifeline following a period of uncertainty and instability. 

Since emerging from the pandemic, the last 18 months has seen The Melbourne Club – as Brocket Hall Estate’s golf club element has been known since 2019 – enjoy significant growth, with the membership ranks rising from 400 to a new high of 950, and that comes in the face of the introduction of a £6,200 joining fee. Bookings for society and corporate days have also improved dramatically, with many of the golf events that were hosted in 2022 having already rebooked for 2023. And with the golf breaks and wedding and events market having also rebounded in spectacular fashion, the future is looking busier and brighter than it has in a long time at the Welwyn-based venue, which is located on a stunning 500-acre estate some five miles from St Albans and 20 miles from the centre of London.

Having played Brocket’s two courses – The Melbourne and The Palmerston – several times each over a decade ago, I was interested to come back and see how they had matured in that time. The former, which was designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, is the older of the two, having first opened in 1992, and enjoys frontal views of the magnificent hall and features a course which criss-crosses over the River Lea no less than four times. Measuring 6,616 yards from the back tees, the par-72 Melbourne represents an enjoyable but thoroughly challenging test.

The aforementioned river is in play right from the off, waiting to catch anything struck too far to the right at the short par-4 first, while the par-3 second requires a full 170-yard carry directly across the water to a green which is protected by two giant willows on both sides. The wet stuff is back in action at the par-4 fourth, which requires a long drive to open up sight of the green, this time the other side of the river. The view from here, with the old bridge and weir in full flow, is a sight to behold. 

The course then moves away from the water. A short par-5 and mid-length par-3 follow before a fine short par-4 with small raised green at the 7th, which features treacherous bunkering. The 8th is a 90-degree dogleg with a fabulous approach over a valley before the front nine ends with a short downhill par-3 that sits right by the hall. 

After a quick stop at the halfway house, you get eased into the back nine with a gentle downhill par 5. But don’t get your hopes up as what follows is a brutal uphill par four, that, at 475 yards, only the biggest hitters will find in two. The course then heads back into the woods with a pair of cracking par fours followed by a 200-yard plus par-3. The 15th is another dogleg with the approach shot down the hill to the green on the waterside, while 16th, Waterfall, is another breathtaking holes, which is in effect a reverse of the fourth, requiring a 170-yard second shot over the water, again in sight of the bridge and weir. A short uphill par 4, the 17th, with its green surrounded by a sand-filled moat gives little warning as to what’s to follow for the final hole.

Standing on top of the hill you look straight down at the mighty Brocket Hall, the green in the distance on the far side of the imposing waterway. Follow the winding fairway or boom a drive over the scrub – if you find the short stuff the ball will run down leaving you to decide if to lay up or go for it in two. Most – including me – chicken out, but that still leaves a 140-yard carry over the water to a green that slopes from back to front. Find the putting surface and then enjoy the ride on the quirky, rope-drawn ferry that transports you effortlessly across the water to the safety of dry land on the other side. 

All in all, it’s a memorable round – indeed, better than I remembered ¬– with an intriguing mix of holes that demand your respect and attention at every turn. What was just as impressive was the conditioning, with the greens running as smoothly as the billiard table that no doubt adorns the hall’s games room, while the fairways were also in tremendous shape, without a puddle or damp patch in sight, despite a month’s worth of rain falling in the days leading up to my round. A bunker renovation programme is next on the agenda, and that will only serve to further elevate what is already an elevated experience. 

With another course still to play, it seemed only sensible to make a two-day trip of it and stay at Brocket Hall’s excellent Melbourne Lodge, a converted Georgian coach house which offers 16 luxury en-suite rooms within a pitching wedge of the first tee on both layouts. Generously proportioned and grandly decorated, the rooms are both comfortable and suitably over the top, with ornate furnishings and vast oil paintings adding to the feeling that you’re a guest at an Edwardian shooting party. 

Guests can take their meals in the clubhouse’s excellent Watershyppes brasserie, while from the end of March next year they will also be able to indulge their tastebuds in the estate’s high-end restaurant, Auberge du Lac, which, as its name suggests, enjoys a stunning waterside location and is reopening to members and guests next Spring. Judging by the menu I was served at one of the pop-up nights in the run up to reopening, members and local diners are in for a treat, with a seven-course tasting menu curated by head chef John Barber easily up to Michelin standards, and certainly providing a suitably elevated dining experience that sits alongside Brocket’s other five-star facilities.

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast I was ready to tackle Brocket’s second course, the par-73 Palmerston. Unlike the Melbourne, the River Lea doesn’t come into play on this fine course. Instead, there’s bold bunkering to contend with and avenues of trees. Course architects Donald Steel and Martin Ebert have created a strategic course where the golfer is presented with options. Central bunkers divide the third fairway, while the fourth tempts big hitters to drive left, over a small hollow and across the corner of the dogleg.

The short par-5 9th is also tempting to attack in two shots, but cleverly positioned greenside bunkers await anything but the best struck approach shot. Your approach shot on the par-4 12th must negotiate a chalk face which lies some 100 yards from the green. This really is a delightful hole, which requires pinpoint accuracy from the tee. The mid-part of the round is laid out on more open country, before returning to more tree-lined part for the closing stretch, where the 15th and 16th rival any on the course. All in all, the Palmerston offers a well-balanced design that provides a perfect foil to the drama of the Melbourne, and combined are certainly among the best 36 holes of parkland golf to be enjoyed anywhere the country.

A review of the golf facilities is incomplete without a mention of Brocket’s tour-standard practice facilities, which include a full-length driving range, chipping and bunker area, a practice putting green and a six-hole par-3 academy course. And with an indoor studio and a team of highly qualified PGA Professionals on hand, there really is no excuse not to up your game here.

So, whether you’re looking for a new golfing home from home, or simply somewhere to enjoy a slice of golfing heaven for a day or two in one of England’s most beautiful spots, Brocket Hall is ready and waiting.

STAY & PLAY AT BROCKET HALL
Golf break packages, including a round on the Melbourne and Palmerston course, overnight accommodation in the Melbourne Lodge and a full English breakfast, start from £282pp, with one-round packages available from £190pp.
For details of the latest golf breaks, membership enquiries and tee time bookings, please visit www.brocket-hall.co.uk, email membership@brocket-hall.co.uk, or call 01707 368700.

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Occupying a leafy spot half-way between Cobham and Byfleet, Silvermere has been part of the golfing landscape in this corner of the country for nearly half a century. Offering a superb 18-hole course set among mature woodland and parkland, Silvermere is one of the best-maintained and most challenging public courses in the country. In addition to the quality of the layout, the superb practice facilities, the renowned Golf Store, and the wonderful hospitality on offer at the Inn on the Lake, it is the personal service and attention to detail that makes Silvermere such an attractive destination for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to tour professionals.

If it’s been a while since you’ve played here, you’ll be surprised at how much the challenging 6,406-yard layout has matured since Neil Coles and Brian Hugget first designed it over 45 years ago. The trees that were little more than a nuisance back then are now extremely mature and make for a solid, yet fair, test of all aspects of your game. High handicappers often find the first six holes quite tough, as distance and accuracy off the tee are crucial, and although the fairways are quite generous, the rough and the rhododendrons are not quite so forgiving. 

The first tee, a nervous place for even the most seasoned golfers, has been raised in recent years to give players a better view of this tricky opening par five,. As you cross the road, the holes open out a bit, but still require a good long game to score well here, especially on the par fours, such as the 8th and the 10th, both of which are over 440 yards off the back tees. The two finishing holes are legendary. Both feature water, and have the potential to make or break a round. The par-three 17th, which, at 175 yards off the whites, looks further than it is, while the notorious 18th requires little more than a mid-to-long iron for placement, but it’s your approach shot that has to carry the water to the island green. Once the lake has been safely negotiated, you can breathe a sigh of relief and hope to two-putt for a well-deserved drink and a bite to eat at the Inn on the Lake.

The greenkeeping team have, as ever, been busy out on the course over the winter, and are currently part-way through a major bunker renovation programme that will see every single sand trap redesigned. There has also been plenty of work to improve the drainage, while water has also been added in the shape of a new pond on the par-five 14th hole, which significantly ramps up the risk and reward on the approach. The greens on the 6th and 11th hole have also been remodelled to create a wider of choice of pin positions, while the 18th tee has also been rebuilt to further enhance the quality of this memorable course.

As well as its golf course, Silvermere also attracts plenty of golfers for the quality of its practice and coaching facilities, which have been the subject of continued investment in recent years. The superb two-tier, 52-bay driving range is one of the best in the country, with the well-kept outfield providing plenty of targets to aim at for focused practice. 

The range offers Power Tees in the ground floor bays and Srixon two-piece balls, is floodlit, and is open early every day and up until 9.45pm at night, making it ideal for practice before or after work. Technology has long been forefront of the Silvermere range experience, with 48 bays fitted with the latest Toptracer system, which tracks the ball in flight for real-time feedback. The technology sees a digital screen located inside each of the bays enabling golfers to see the flight of every ball they hit and receive instant feedback on distance and trajectory. A free downloadable app also lets users store their data on a smartphone for later analysis. The Toptracer system offers a variety of game formats, where golfers can challenge each other to hit targets which reward shots hit closer to the flag at different distances. Golfers can also now purchase golf balls via The Golf More app, which enables users to top-up and dispense balls all via their mobiles, eliminating the need for printed tokens.

Range users have further reason to extend their practice time following the recent opening of new café on the range, where golfers can stock up on snacks and drinks while playing Toptracer games or working on their swing. For regular visitors, The Golf More app offers up to 30% extra credit on range balls top-ups.

Besides being a place to practice, Silvermere also provides the opportunity to enjoy first-class teaching, with the facility’s team of 20-plus PGA-trained professionals on hand to offer a range of lesson packages either in groups or one-on-one. There is a new Full Swing Lounge which combines infrared light waves and high-speed cameras to offer an immersive experience.

Golfers of all ages looking to hone their putting skills – and have a bit of fun – can head over to the club’s free-to-use nine-hole astroturf putting course that is laid out in front of the clubhouse.  For users of the putting green, the club are currently raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so a voluntary contribution can be made via the donation posts. There is also an enlarged grass practice putting green next to the first tee.

If you’re after some new clubs, or looking to splash out on a fresh golfing outfit for the new season, there’s no better place to shop than the legendary Silvermere Golf Store – an 8,500 square foot retail space which stocks all the major equipment brands, including TaylorMade – which is hosting a special Tour truck fitting event here from April 5-8 – Ping, Callaway, Cobra and Mizuno, as well as some of the more to hard to find ones, such as Evnroll putters and XXIO. The clothing rails are filled with all the latest apparel collections. Alongside established brands such as Under Armour, Galvin Green, Adidas and J.Lindeberg, more recent additions to the store include apparel collections from brands such as G/Fore, Travis Mathew, Original Penguin and Forelson, while Planet FootJoy stocks the largest range of shoes in Europe from golf’s leading footwear company. The store is currently undergoing a refit ahead of the new season, making it even easier and more enjoyable shopping experience.

For a well-deserved drink and a bite to eat, visitors can head over to the Inn on the Lake, Silvermere’s bar and restaurant, where its variety of private function rooms – including the ground floor Waterside Suite – provides the perfect setting to relax, unwind and celebrate, whether it be with golfing partners, family or business colleagues. And with a number of meeting rooms and conference facilities, it also makes an ideal venue for a business meeting or company away day.

If you want to make Silvermere your home – in a golfing sense – although there are 60-odd retirement flats close to the 17th green – the current range of membership packages remains extremely popular. Seven-day membership, which offers unlimited golf, are currently sold out due to overwhelming demand, but there are a limited number of Monday to Friday memberships available at £1,119, while a pay-and-play membership, which costs £269, provides an official handicap and offers access to competitions, advanced bookings, and reduced green fee rates,

Winter green fees are a very reasonable £29 during the week and £38 at weekends, while Silvermere is also the perfect location for groups and societies, with summer packages (April-September) designed to cater for all sizes of golf days starting from just £46 per person.

With spring finally upon us, and the longer, warmer days of summer just around the corner, there really has never been a better time to pay a visit to Silvermere.

For tee bookings and membership enquiries, call 01932 584314 or for online bookings and further details on the latest offers, society packages and other news, visit www.silvermere-golf.co.uk.

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Like many golf clubs in the UK, Bush Hill Park enjoyed a significant uptick to its membership ranks during the pandemic, with the leafy North London club, which is located near Enfield, less than four miles from junction 25 of the M25, being fairly inundated with enquiries from men and women of all ages looking to find somewhere to play during those strange times when golf was just about the only activity allowed besides dog walking. 

Fortunately for many of those enquirers, Bush Hill Park had the capacity to cope with some extra members, as the historic club, which was founded in 1895, had, also like many other golf facilities in the UK, experienced a dip in membership over the last decade or so. While the pandemic brought pain and suffering to many people, one of the few positive by-products was a renewed appreciation of the great outdoors, and in golf in particular, largely due it being sport that, although extremely sociable in normal times, is also easy to do while remaining socially distanced. With visitor play suspended during the early months of Covid back in 2020, the only way you could get a game at Bush Hill was to join. 

Fast forward three years, and the club’s membership has swelled to a new high of 650, and a waiting list has been introduced for the first time in over 30 years. Seven-day membership is full, while a new six-day membership, which allows play on every day except Saturday, and the five-day membership, are also close to capacity. 

It all points to a very rosy picture for a club that not that long ago was on its proverbial uppers, with income from golf activities barely enabling the club to break even, let alone invest for the future. Now, with the bank balance back firmly in the black, and those who have joined in the last few years appearing to be in it for the long haul, the club has been able to carry out some long-awaited renovations to both the course and the clubhouse, bringing it firmly into the 21st century and beyond.

Stewart Judd, the club’s general manager, who has been in role since 2017, is justifiably proud that Bush Hill Park has become one of the most progressive golf clubs around, and he, and his fellow board members, are determined that the club’s future fortunes are permanently turned around based on the quality of the facilities and the member experience, rather than being a flash in the pan caused by a global health disaster. 

“Golf clubs can get a bit caught up with tradition and tradition is often a reason not to change, whereas we try to celebrate our heritage, but keep looking forward,” he says of the club which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2020. “We are all about championing inclusivity and welcoming everyone, be they are single figure competitors, new golfers, groups of friends, or social members who simply want to enjoy our new hospitality facilities.”

The club’s progressive attitudes have captured the attention of several major awards in recent years, with England Golf dishing out Bush Hill Park with ‘Golf Club of the Year’ in 2021, while the venue also picked up the highly coveted Club Awards’ Club of the Year title in 2020 and again in 2022. The judging panels were clearly impressed by what has been going on at the club in the last few years, most notably in the area of women’s golf development, with Nicola Bennett, the club’s Senior PGA Professional, and a Golf Foundation Ambassador, helping to set up a pathway to golf that has seen over 70 women golfers come through the sessions, leading to over 20 taking up full membership. 

“We’re trying to achieve more of a balanced membership profile,” says Stewart. “Within the Women in Golf Charter we’ve set ourselves a target of another 50 female members between now and 2025. We’ll continue to drive that and we want to continue to improve things in the clubhouse. We refurbished our bar the year in 2019, and made it much more contemporary and modern looking. We want to try and keep that rollout going in the clubhouse – with potential to improve changing rooms and our restaurant area, which is currently being renovated. 

“It’s just carrying on improving things in the clubhouse and developing the golf course. We want to keep improving our practice facilities too. We’ve put the new bays in and practice green and chipping area, but we’ve got a space where we can put in some more holes and the aim is to have an academy course.”

The 18-hole course, which is neatly contained in just under 100 acres of parkland, is not long by modern standards, measuring 5,776 yards from the competition tees, but its par of 70, and a sextet of tricky par threes and four lengthy par fives, ensures that players must bring their ‘A game’ to score well here. Some of the fairways are narrow, tree-lined affairs, although it broadens out in places to enable big hitters to open their shoulders on the par fives, three of which are well over 500 yards long. The closing stretch of holes from 13-18 is especially memorable, with water coming into play on the par-four 17th. All in all, it’s an entertaining mix that will provide a challenge to all elements of your game in delightfully peaceful surroundings.

The installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system back in 2018 has proved a life saver as far as the course is concerned during a series of hot summers, most notably in 2022, when many courses burnt to a crisp, and it’s more than paid its way in ensuring that quality playing conditions are maintained throughout the season. 

Once entering the club’s gates, the first-time visitor can’t fail to be impressed by the sweeping driveway that leads through beautiful grounds to the majestic clubhouse, the Old Park Mansion, a listed building that has been home to its members since 1922. The clubhouse provides an impressive venue for all occasions, with function rooms of various sizes, three bars, a restaurant and spacious changing rooms. There is a large patio at the front of the building, overlooking the 18th green, and a veranda at the rear overlooking the first tee, both of which provide great places to sit outside with a drink in the sunshine, and make the club the perfect place to spend time whether or not you’re playing golf.

Although the club upholds the traditions of a private members’ club, it also welcomes visitors and societies to enjoy its facilities, with pre-bookable tee times available during the week and at weekends, while society packages are also available. The dress code is very relaxed, with a sports bar where golfers can come in off the course as they are, while jeans are allowed throughout the clubhouse.

The club offers a wide range of membership options, with the full categories offered with discounts for families and age-related concessions for members aged between 18 and 30. A credit-based Lifestyle membership, offering seven-day access to the course and full member benefits, can be used to book tee times and play in all club competitions, and is a good option for those wanting to give the club a try before committing to full membership, as well as those who might only play once a month or so. The club also has a very active junior section and offers a structured junior coaching programme of group and individual lessons.

All told, Bush Hill Park has all the right ingredients in place to create a very special golf club and a very happy membership, and looks set to do so for many years to come.

To discuss membership opportunities, please call 020 3146 9892 or visit www.bhpgc.com. 

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