Originally built in 1781 and known as Beech Hill Park, Hadley Wood's magnificent clubhouse was used as billets for the City of London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers, during the First World War. The regiment was formed in 1685 and were issued French flintlock fusils. Hence the name Fusiliers. It was thought the normal issue matchlock muskets would carry an added risk of igniting the gunpowder. As escort for artillery, blowing up barrels of gunpowder was generally frowned upon. The regiment has been involved in many historical military campaigns and it happens the regiment surrendered its colours twice during the American Revolution! In more recent times, a young Michael Caine served with the outfit during the Korean War and was involved in heavy fighting against Chinese attacks after US troops crossed the 38
th Parallel.
Original Routing.
Current routing.
Not long after WWI, the house was converted for use as the Hadley Wood clubhouse. However, the white single storey pavilions on either end of house were added well before the turn of the century. The golf club opened in 1922 to a Dr A MacKenzie design. A partner of HS Colt’s at this time, it was unusual for the Good Doctor to have new build work this close to London.
The larger area around Hadley Wood was once part of Enfield Chase which was broken up in 1777 and largely deforested. This part north of London is not an area well known for quality golf, The Shire, Trent Park, Enfield, Bush Hill, Old Ford Manor and Dryham Park are some of the many nearby courses. By general consensus, Hadley Wood is the best of the lot.
The current course is considerably altered from the original design. It seems as though six holes are not part of Dr Mac’s original 18 holes; 3, 4 and 10-13. I think the current 3rd green may be the 7th green from the abandoned nine holes due to 40 acres being given over to WWII crop production. The 4th uses the orignal 3rd green and the 13th, while a different corridor, uses the original 13th green. The 10th may be the only fully intact hole remaining from the abandoned nine holes. At one time there were 27 holes which seems as though it would have been a somewhat cramped property which necessitated an awkward walk for the added nine holes. I believe Dr Mac designed these holes and they were built sometime later, perhaps the early 30s. After WWII the course was reconfigured around current holes 3-4 and 10-13. As suggested above, parts of the abandoned nine holer were cannabalized and some new work was added. For some reason, the southwest corner of the property (land south of the current 13
th) was stripped of its holes. I don't know who did the new work, but it would seem the vast majority of what exists today is by the design of Dr Mac, although not as a singular course.
Perhaps an inauspicious start, the first is hidden away from the house and doesn't represent the high end of Hadley Wood's quality. That said, not surprisingly, the greens are the star of the show. Despite the poor quality photo, the contours of the green are evident.
Playing over one of a series of ponds on the property, the second features another fine green.
Turning back toward the house, while not an original hole, the short 3rd is a keeper.
A tight legger left, the 4th plays uphill to what I think is the original 3rd green. The putting surface is much more sloped than it appears.
5 & 6 play down the eastern boundary of the property and signal the start of better golf. Principal's Nose bunkers tighten the drive target for longer hitters.
The 5th green is well raised and large, as are many on the course. I can't help but think the design needs an archie's keen eye to enhance the green sites with more sympathetic cut lines.
Incredibly deceptive, the shaping masks the steep right to left cant of the 6th green. I strongly suspect Franks Harris Bros built the original course!
Another squirrely green, the short 7th plays downhill and the green flows with the terrain. This is a seriously good and tough hole which measures a mere 134 yards (in praise of yellow tees!). It happens that the best two short holes (7 & 17) are the shorter ones...and Dr Mac designs....more or less.
More to follow.
Ciao