Golf for the Rich and Fabulous
Palmerston Course
Brocket Hall
Brocket Hall Clubhouse
advertisment
Related Content
- Golf (or not) at Derrybawn House (03/08/2007)
As of April this year, the members-only Brocket Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire has opened its beautifully undulating fairways to the general public. Or let's say to the part of the public with particularly deep pockets.
Based approximately 22 miles north of Central London in the middle of a vast estate surrounding historic Brocket Hall lies Brocket Hall Golf Club. Whilst my SatNav was playing tricks on me and caused some trouble finding the Golf Club, my playing partner who followed the spot-on directions on the website had fewer problems and got delayed merely by being stuck on the M25.
Despite the splendid weather, luckily it turned out not to be a problem to reshuffle our tee-time so we could take advantage of the immaculate practise facilities which are run by the Faldo Institure of Golf (Nick Faldo being a native of close-by Welwyn Garden City). The driving range, chipping areas and putting greens were all in great condition for warming up prior to making our way out on the course.
That very morning, we chose to play the Palmerston Course, one of the two courses on the estate, both named for former Prime Ministers. Or as the Course Marshal put it: "This is the golfers' course. The Melbourne Course is the scenic one."
And while the Palmerston certainly is challenging at times - and at Par 73 with a length of more than 7000 yards from the back tees, not a short course - the old oak and pine trees lining the course and the views over the Hertfordshire countryside provide some pleasant scenery whilst you are pulling your golf equipment through the hills.
The Palmerston course does not feature water hazards like the Melbourne, which plays along the River Lea and requires the guests to cross the river on a little ferry on the 18th hole, but in particular the back nine with its narrowing fairways and the increasing number of ancient trees well in play provide enough challenge to make up for this.
The fairways are well groomed, although the greens could have been faster for our liking but were perfectly manicured, and the course layout uses the landscape (e.g. hole 12 with its almost quarry-like ravine) to test the golfers' skill. Furthermore, local wildlife such as foxes, pheasants and squirrels adds to the magnificent scenery.
After finishing the round, we wound down on the terrace of the club house, one of many beautiful old brick buildings on the estate. It overlooks the River Lea and is so picturesque it was no surprise a wedding was held there that afternoon. The estate also features the Auberge du Lac, a beautifully-set, acclaimed lakeside restaurant.
At green fee prices of £195 for visitors on weekends during peak season (and down to £85 during the week in low season), it certainly is not a cheap pleasure to enjoy. If there is criticism, it is only that there is an abundance of equally well-maintained championship standard golf courses around London that could compete with Brocket Hall at lower prices. Furthermore, you could argue that at this steep price, complimentary stroke-savers (and faster, irrigated greens for that matter) should go without saying.
But apart from that - or if you are taking clients or have an expense account that covers indulgences like golf - Brocket Hall certainly provides for a splendid day of golf in the Hertfordshire hills.
Despite the splendid weather, luckily it turned out not to be a problem to reshuffle our tee-time so we could take advantage of the immaculate practise facilities which are run by the Faldo Institure of Golf (Nick Faldo being a native of close-by Welwyn Garden City). The driving range, chipping areas and putting greens were all in great condition for warming up prior to making our way out on the course.
That very morning, we chose to play the Palmerston Course, one of the two courses on the estate, both named for former Prime Ministers. Or as the Course Marshal put it: "This is the golfers' course. The Melbourne Course is the scenic one."
And while the Palmerston certainly is challenging at times - and at Par 73 with a length of more than 7000 yards from the back tees, not a short course - the old oak and pine trees lining the course and the views over the Hertfordshire countryside provide some pleasant scenery whilst you are pulling your golf equipment through the hills.
The Palmerston course does not feature water hazards like the Melbourne, which plays along the River Lea and requires the guests to cross the river on a little ferry on the 18th hole, but in particular the back nine with its narrowing fairways and the increasing number of ancient trees well in play provide enough challenge to make up for this.
The fairways are well groomed, although the greens could have been faster for our liking but were perfectly manicured, and the course layout uses the landscape (e.g. hole 12 with its almost quarry-like ravine) to test the golfers' skill. Furthermore, local wildlife such as foxes, pheasants and squirrels adds to the magnificent scenery.
After finishing the round, we wound down on the terrace of the club house, one of many beautiful old brick buildings on the estate. It overlooks the River Lea and is so picturesque it was no surprise a wedding was held there that afternoon. The estate also features the Auberge du Lac, a beautifully-set, acclaimed lakeside restaurant.
At green fee prices of £195 for visitors on weekends during peak season (and down to £85 during the week in low season), it certainly is not a cheap pleasure to enjoy. If there is criticism, it is only that there is an abundance of equally well-maintained championship standard golf courses around London that could compete with Brocket Hall at lower prices. Furthermore, you could argue that at this steep price, complimentary stroke-savers (and faster, irrigated greens for that matter) should go without saying.
But apart from that - or if you are taking clients or have an expense account that covers indulgences like golf - Brocket Hall certainly provides for a splendid day of golf in the Hertfordshire hills.
Here Is The Writer : Billy No Box
Billy No Box has worked in the city for six years, and currently works in Derivatives for a North American bank. He enjoys playing golf, reading books by Umberto Eco, singing "Copacabana" in the shower and at karaoke bars, and occasionally updating his blog about London and everything else.
view more articles by Billy No Box
