Designed by James Braid in 1907, Henley Golf Club has an enjoyable layout situated just over a mile from beautiful Henley-on-Thames
Henley Golf Club is situated in Harpsden, Henley-on-Thames with expansive views of the Chiltem Hills. The golf club was founded in 1907 and is widely acknowledged as one of the best in the county.
Unveiled as a 9-hole track initially, the course was very quickly extended to eighteen holes which were officially opened on 16th May 1908 when Braid played a 36-hole exhibition match against Rowland Jones, the Wimbledon Park Professional.
Today, the course measures 6,264 yards from the back markers, playing to a par of 70, which matches the standard scratch score. Routed in an out and back fashion, the tree-lined fairways at Henley are set out with a trio of par three holes on each nine, the short holes ranging in length from the 128-yard 7th to the 225-yard 4th.
The toughest hole on the outward half is the 468-yard par four 8th (“Vardon’s Loss”), where only the biggest of hitters can reach the green in two shots, even when the prevailing wind blows from behind. On the inward nine, the 439-yard 12th (Lady Rathcreeden”) is another difficult par four, doglegging right from the tee to a testing, sand-protected two-tiered green. The 13th is beautifully framed; it’s Henley’s Golden Bell without Rae’s Creek, where the swirling wind plays tricks with the mind. Meanwhile, the 16th requires pinpoint accuracy with a long-iron or wood to a raised green.
Note that visitors are allowed to play on weekdays only at Henley Golf Club. Member’s guests are allowed to play on weekends. The golf club does not reserve tee times and so visitors need to ring and check for availability before playing.
