Hadley Wood Golf Club Hertfordshire

The course was designed by Alister Mackenzie, the renowned golf course Architect, and Architect of Augusta, the home of the US Masters, Cypress Point, Royal Melbourne and many other well known courses. Although the course at Hadley Wood pre-dates Augusta by 10 years, many of the features which make the Masters such a challenge to even the finest of golfers, are evident in its design.

Trademark Mackenzie touches such as raised plateau greens, some of them sporting two tiers and guarded by strategically placed bunkers, confront the player at every turn. Playing 6,514 yards from the back tees, in the classic four par-fives and four par-threes configuration, the course lives up fully to its par 72.

Undoubtedly the most photographed hole is the 185 yard par three 10th, with a 75 yard carry over the lake. This is not a Mackenzie original, although the lake was there in his day; but the hole nevertheless has the feel of his influence, bunkers awaiting the unwary and a fiendishly sloping green to negotiate with the putter.

Alister Mackenzie designed his courses to try and ensure that the golfer used every club in the bag. People in the 1920s carried fewer clubs than we do now, but the modern player will still need a full set to score well around this varied layout, with lush fairways meandering among mature oaks and chestnuts. Beyond doubt this is a “golfer’s golf course” of real merit, being both challenging and enjoyable.