Epsom GC is squeezed between the equally magnificent Epsom Downs Race Course to the south and Epsom College to the north, not all that far from the centre of town which has a great many handsome buildings on display. The Derby is run each June over the 1.5 mile course and has been one of Britain’s premier sporting events for over 200 years. Despite the many glorious races during this period, it is the 1913 Derby which is embedded in the memory of even the casual fan of racing. A horrendous incident occurred when suffragette Emily Davison collided with King George V’s horse and eventually succumbed to the injuries. Her intentions are still not clear to this day.
The origins of the current layout are a bit hazy. But it is known our old friend Laidlaw Purves (of Sandwich and Littlestone fame) was involved as he and other Royal Wimbledon members (including TW Lang) knocked a ball around the downs and built some rudimentary holes. A bit further north the Masters of Epsom College laid out another course. When the club was founded in 1889, the Lang and Masters courses were sewn together under the guidance of Alexander Patrick. Soon after a purpose built clubhouse was erected. The course has seen many changes over the years mainly due to the historical paths, tracks and bridleways that would eventually become proper roads. For instance, the 2
nd is merely one of at least twelve holes which used to play over current roads...one hole played over two roads!
The course starts awkwardly by walking through the 18th fairway...for some it may come as a surprise because there is no green in site. A rather sedate start, the first does, however, feature the first of many good greens. The picture flattens the effect, but the hole location is on a shelf 2ish feet below the centre of the putting surface....shades of Knole Park's 12th!
The tree congested 2nd slings hard left before crossing over the singular 16th, but more on that later.
I didn't realize there was a cross-over until I was intrigued enough to make my way to this sign.
We now cross a road for one hole, the very odd short 3rd. The green is huge and it is evident how hard the slope right is!
Back over the road for a short two-shotter, once again with a tree down the middle of the "fairway". There really aren't fairways as much as first cuts of rough. Regardless, the bounce and roll-out at Epsom is tremendous. The greens rolled at about 6. For sure they could be quicker, but if they stimped something like 10 it would be more like a game of pin ball rather than golf. This is a prime example of the many greens which run away from play.
An awkward walk past 14 and 15 brings us to the 5th. Playing directly at the race course, this hole opens up into terrain more akin to proper downs. The 6th comes back down the hill. There is a large break in the fairway which will require many to lay-up.
Somewhat similar to the second, the 7th is a shortish par 4 legging hard left. The green though is quite different and a great example of lie of the land architecture. I often find this type of green, of which Epsom nearly exclusively features, very difficult to read. Epsom is a bit unusual in that even when greens are stimping 6ish, there are some considerable breaks. I found myself constantly off-guard because some putts were quickish and others were slower than molasses in springtime. Looking at the photo one wouldn't guess how tricky this green is!
Back over a road for the very weird 8th. The tee-shot is very closeted without hint of a green.
Luckily, this is the shortest par 4 at under 240 yards from the daily tee. The race course and downs are in the background.
More to follow.
Ciao