Hampstead Golf Club is an exceptional place - a top-quality 9-hole golf course with a charming clubhouse enjoyed by hundreds of welcoming members. For golfers, it's London's hidden gem. Every hole is unique on the undulating parkland layout that is remarkable and surprising. Legendary Open champion Henry Cotton understood the course's renowned quality, saying that if you can play to your handicap at Hampstead, you can play anywhere!
HGC is the closest golf course to Central London; designed by Tom Dunn, one of Britain's most respected course constructors; and it's a progressive club that benefits from a rich history and a strong vision of its vibrant future. George Adams, HGC professional from 1911 to 1947, could count the Prince of Wales - later King Edward VIII - among his pupils.
HGC is the closest golf course to Central London; designed by Tom Dunn, one of Britain's most respected course constructors; and it's a progressive club that benefits from a rich history and a strong vision of its vibrant future. George Adams, HGC professional from 1911 to 1947, could count the Prince of Wales - later King Edward VIII - among his pupils.
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A deceptively easy Par 4, but the tee aligns with Winnington Road and any drives off centre to the right are swallowed by the bounce into bushes and trees. You need to be over to the left handside off the fairway and pitch in. Beware a flat green after a downhill slope might take your ball off the back of the green into an awaiting, deep bunker.
A very long, straight Par 4 up hill initially and usually directly into the prevailing westerly winds. Avoid driving to the right as you will be caught in trees. Watch out for golfers teeing off on the 9th as they will cross over the 2nd. Only the best long hitters can get on in two. A large, fast green running away from the fairway will sweep your ball off to the end unless you can pitch before the green itself.
My favourite hole? That's easy - the first time I played Hampstead and walked up to the 3rd green I thought the view was fabulous, breath-taking even. You can see over half of London, a mix of greenery and distant buildings and landmarks. Right then I knew this was the club for me and I never tire of the view.
A relatively straight forward, attractive hole that you can score on. Dependent upon the various tee positions, your drive will need to flirt with danger in seeking the fairway down below. Trees edge the fairway on both sides, but the left is more to be avoided as there is room out on the right. Approach to the green is through a narrow entrance marked by flat bunkers on both sides.
Mid length par 4 up hill and slight dog leg right. Your drive needs to be on the left side of the fairway, avoiding the run off and over hanging oak tree on the right side. To clear the hump ("berm") is a good, long drive, but the green is reachable from the fairway. Take an extra club as the second is all uphill.
