A lovely golf course with the most wonderful views from wherever you look. The 1st impression is of a very private, exclusive Members club, but Visitors are welcome. Today (Wed 18 Feb 2015) Steve R. got us an excellent deal. Thank you Steve.
South Herts (Vardon Course) is a beautiful, matured, undulating parkland course (not many even lies), extremely well maintained & cared for. The employment of a Course Manager who is also one of the few Master Greenkeepers is a real asset. His work covers many improvements, to name a few: laser levelling of tee boxes, improved draining in bunkers, woodland management, a new short game area etc. etc.
The course opened in 1900, designed originally by Willie Park Jnr but now in his 4th layout with the help of Harry Vardon, James Braid (bunkering) & Ken Moody. Many well known golf personalities have swung their clubs at South Herts :James Braid, Abe Mitchell, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Tony Jacklin, Bernard Gallagher, Peter Alliss, Ross Fisher to name a few and today it was us 4 TSGers. Harry Vardon, who gave his name to the famous grip, was a Pro at South Herts for 35 years, hence his sculpture at the 1st tee.
Every hole has it own technical challenge, some with lateral ditches, some water (the Dollis Brook) and of course the mature trees & the newly planted ones. The fairways are fairly wide but tee shots needs to be well positioned for your approach to narrow greens always well guarded. The scenery is absolutely magnificient, specially so on a warm winter day, even if windy. A tough/technical course, a real pleasure to play for any level even if the scores achieved are not to your normal handicap standard. Yellow SSS is 70 and the Red SSS is 74.... making it a much tougher course for Lady players. I expect the Ladies members must be excellent at those sloping lies and fast greens.
The 1st hole is a downhill short Par 4 reachable in one by the strong hitter, but strategically guarded on all cardinal points with beautiful sanded bunkers. The green is very tricky too as it slopes back to front.
The 18th is a fantastic downhill, slightly dog legged finishing hole which I messed nearly completely if it was not for my last putt "truly fantastic", one to be noted in the little black book.
There is a water fountain at the 10th (?), a wooden Ladies room somewhere half way through the course.
The Clubhouse is fairly traditional, with Spike bar & other bar, with gorgeous views on the course. Sitting on the terrace on a warm day/evening must be delightful.
Ladies changing room are very "posh" with all the luxury goodies for one's after golf.
The practice facilities are of an excellent standard: 2 putting greens, a superb chipping/pitching/bunkers area.
A large Proshop with lots of equipment and a friendly welcome.
The drive to the Club is through a private road, leading to 2 big car parks: members & visitors.
There is also a 9 holes course, the Dai Rees, with a separate membership. A short but challenging test with great bunkers, numerous trees a a super, very testing finishing hole.
If you get the chance to play this course at a discounted rate, do take the opportunity. The normal Visitor's rate is £50 for this truly wonderful course.
I would love to return, but I sahll avoid travelling through North London and instead use the M25 (South Mimms) from Twickenham. Much easier route.
Must finish this review with a quote from the great man himself, Harry Vardon (Mr Golf or The Icon of Golf):
"Dont play too much golf, two rounds a day are plenty"
THE END......
Date Tuesday, 10, March 2015