Why play Verulam? Because of its steep history, its remarkable winter playability, its friendliness all around and its awesome freshly baked baguettes!
Originally a 9-hole designed in 1905 by civil engineer Ernest Phillips but within 6 years, James Braid re-designed Verulam to the present 18-hole where some of the greatest in golf have played including James Braid himself, J H Taylor, Harry Vardon, Abe Mitchell (coach to Sam Ryder) to name a few....
The course drains well as it's built on chalk so winter play is enjoyable, the greens are exceptional, even when scarified they are true and firm, with very subtle undulations (yes I got the correct spelling this time) & shapes.
The bunkers are “S” shape, some very steep, very well kept with plenty of lovely sand, NO standing water. The fairways are in great condition, the 1st cut is also fair. The layout is attractive due to the numerous trees, a good woodland management programme, the natural landscape with its ups & downs, the River Ver, the rural surroundings. There are exceptional views of St Albans Abbey/Cathedral, of the town itself too.
The 1st tee Par 4 will probably fool you into thinking it is going to be an easy round but as reach the long 18th Par 5 with its treacherous approach with numerous bunkers, 9 on L & R of the fairways and another 12 or more guarding the magnificent green, you realise that you need your precision instruments to score well & keep focus. Each hole is unique, one needs flair & finesse more than mighty powerful drives, though useful on the intimidating 15th and a few others.
There are 2 criss-cross holes, so beware, read the notices. The 10th hole can easily be missed, especially so if you chat to your playing partner or video their swing!! A railway line is fairly near some holes but not too distracting, there is a “Road Hole”, the quirky 17th.
My favourites:
14th Par 4, a great signature hole, dog leg right with large expanse of water acting as a magnet on one side and lots of tall trees on the other side. I must admit that being a “Leftie” playing from the Red tees, the hole is not so intimidating.
15th Par 4, probably the most intimidating hole, a large bank to carry, so a very blind Tee shot. One does not see anything else but this bank, so just take your best shot & hope. Today (7.1.2015) it was very windy, the clumps of trees on the right were making weird creaking noises, it sounded a little ghostly. I think Steve R. Was wondering when it was going to stop..... We both had our best/longest/straightest drive on this hole (some 300yrds/200yrds respectively, well nearly.......) to the middle of the fairway that slopes right & left to an undulated green with protective mounds on either side.
17th Par 3, over a very tall fence protecting a busy “B” road, a thick hedge guarding the short fringe & the green. Although the Tee box is raised, very off putting from the Red as you are so near the road and the passing cars are constantly in your peripheral vision, imperative to be extra confident with the correct lofted club.
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The Proshop is fairly large, offering leading brands in equipment & clothing for Ladies/Men and a most friendly welcome awaits visitors. Men/Ladies/Juniors sections seem to have a busy calendar with various competitions including a yearly “Sam Ryder Trophy.” Ladies changing room are very pleasant with all the necessary lockers, showers etc...
Large Car Park on your right as you drive in. Nice chipping/sand practice areas. Open driving range but with some covered bays. Practice putting green is by the Clubhouse, the 18th green, on the way to the 1st tee. A good idea to practice as a good reflection of what to expect.
The Clubhouse has two bars + The Ryder room + The Abe Mitchell room for receptions, meetings, Sunday lunch etc. The Members are most welcoming & smiling. Memorabilia is housed in the Clubhouse in locked glass cabinets including a replica of the Ryder Cup, the Ryder Trophy, Sam Ryder’s own putter made by George Brews, clubmaker @ Royal Black Heath, 3 hickory clubs used by Abe Mitchell (Sam’s coach), his scorecard signed by Sam Ryder. There are paintings on the wall, various golf books on display too. The Captain Chair donated by Sam Ryder is still in use but cordoned off when no meeting in place, it sits in the middle of the 1st bar.
For the golf/history addicts amoung us, here's a brief summary ...
We know James Ryder as the founder of the Ryder Cup. He was a wealthy business man (Seed merchant of Penny packets) with a vision. He started golf late in life (at 50) due to ill health, practised for 1 year in his garden, then joined Verulam GC, was made Captain within a year of joining.
Sam Ryder rescued the club from financial difficulties too, he was a fair and liberal man who contributed so much to the life/the people of St Albans, a compassionate man who helped the needy, a benefactor to many local causes.
Sam Ryder was respected and loved by many, was a great father too instilling the love of reading books, literature, music & travel to his children and he spoilt his 3 daughters on their 21st birthday. He was also a worshipper, loved life and was full of humour. We must not forget the role of his brother James who also greatly contributed to golf @ Verulam. Both made sure that the status of the professionals got recognised & promoted to better things at a time when pros were not allowed in the Clubhouse! And there;'s a lot more to read in the many books published on this extraordinary man & his brother.
I think TSGers would enjoy a round at this historic course, perfect for winter play & where visitors are genuinely made to feel welcome. I am thrilled to bits to have experienced the course, learnt a little more about its history. Verulam was on my list to play for a long while.
Thank you Steve R for posting the game and for the video that will certainly help me improve my golf. A great day!
THE END.
Date Monday, 12, January 2015
