Review's of The Hertfordshire Golf Club
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
Not the best day to judge the course
There appears to be two distinct section to The Hertfordshire. Holes 1 to 11 are open parkland and generally the fairways are pretty forgiving. From the 12th onwards the trees start to encroach and the greens start to get a little (or a lot) trickier to hit. The best looking holes on the course are to be found through this latter stretch, with some lovely looking par 3's over water.
For whatever reason, the day I played here the yellow tees had all been moved up to the red and even the blue tees, so I certainly didn't see the course at it's toughest. The greens had also been sanded and spiked, although that didn't stop them from being very quick.
The tees and fairways were in decent condition given the time of year, and I imagine that in the summer months they, along with the greens, will all be very good.
Overall the course itself is nice enough, but I would only likely want to play it again if it were far closer to where I live.
As for the rest of the complex, the clubhouse is set within an 18th century mansion, and very pleasant inside it is too. There's also a large covered driving range.
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
A Mansion, Grade II listed, as a Clubhouse....
It looks very grand as you drive to the golf club, part of the Crown golf chain, but a Members Club. There are leisure facilities there as well.
I played there back in April 2014 and will be very brief as I did not make many notes.
A course designed by Jack Nicklaus in the grounds of a 17th century manor house with several lakes and lots of ancient trees, lovely Hertfordshire countryside.
The first 9 are more open but have ditches to take into account, the lakes make the last 9 even more challenging. Really lovely natural setting but very tough, specially so on a 1st visit.
2 favourite holes;
The 15th, a scenic short Par 3 over a lake, the green being encircled by water on 3 sides.
The 17th, a long Par 5, downhill with a lake before reaching the green which is raised guarded by bunkers either side.
The fairways were well maintained, so were the greens and the bunkers had decent sand.
It was a pleasant day, sunny and warm.
The bar and outside seating area were pleasant, the food & drinks reasonably priced.
Large car parks, good practice area.
Friendly pro shop .
Planning to return in a not too distant future.
THE END.....
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
History and views with a great final stretch
Broxbournebury Mansion, dating back to 1086, dominates the view as you drive in, but a look to the right hand side will give a preview of the finishing 'stretch'. There's a lot of history here which is now home to a Jack Nicklaus design course, popular with members and societies.
Good practice facilities with a driving range, small chipping area and excellent putting green. You'll get a friendly welcome in the well stocked Pro shop.
The first 12 holes are quite open and will offer some good scoring opportunities to those who keep their ball out of trouble. A good mix of short/longer holes so most clubs in the bag will be needed. The rough can be punishing, so a provisional ball is advisable if in doubt. This is Hertfordshire countryside at its best with some inviting views.
There is a long walk to the 13th tee, where the course changes character. Much more demanding with good course planning essential to score well, as you're now amongst the forest and lakes. The 15th is a delightful short downhill par-3 with water in front and left. Take an extra club, but there's always that 'hold your breath' moment until the ball lands on 'terra firma'! The walk down and across the bridge can then be enjoyed ... a scene which in summer, I think, resembles one from a Monet painting.
If able to play from 'white' tees, the course presents a tougher challenge, indicated by the SSS on the scorecard which increases from 68 to 72 (par 70). If a good score is achieved, you'll know that you have played very well here!
I found the course in excellent condition throughout, with very good greens and shall look forward to playing here again.
