Golf has been played at South Herts Golf Club since 1900 and the Club is steeped in golfing history. Two of Britain’s greatest golfers held the title of Club
Professional for a period spanning some 80 years. Harry Vardon was the professional from 1902 until his death in 1937. Dai Rees CBE was appointed the club professional in 1946 remaining until his death in 1983.
Extending across 150 acres of peaceful undulating parkland the Club has two superb courses: the 6,435 yards 18-hole Vardon Course and the 1,489 yards 9-hole Rees Course.
The Vardon Course at South Herts Golf Club
The 18-hole 6,435 yards Vardon Course is one of the longer courses in the local area. The Course, with challenging greens maintained to a high standard providing fast and true putting surfaces throughout the season, has been chosen on 14 occasions by the R & A as a regional pre-qualifying course for the ‘Open’.
The Vardon Course was originally designed by the twice Open winner Willie Park Junior. He designed approximately 170 courses in the UK, Europe and North America and unquestionably left a positive legacy on golf course design. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.
Harry Vardon was responsible for many improvements during his 35 years as the Professional and Head Greenkeeper at South Herts and James Braid advised on the bunkering in the 1930’s. Golf commentator and former Ryder Cup player Ken Brown was consulted on more recent course developments.
A short par four at the 1st hole eases golfers into their round before a couple of par fives at the next four holes then present a chance of a birdie. The first par three hole at the 6th is the longest of the short holes, played uphill to an upturned saucer-shaped green, so a “3” on the scorecard is good here.
Into the back nine and both the par threes at the downhill 12th and heavily-bunkered 14th catch the eye, played either side of a short par four that rises steadily from the tee, with bunkers protecting the putting surface in front of and on either side of the green.
The “signature hole” 363-yard 16th is ranked stroke index 4 and for good reason as the hole rises off the tee slightly before veering sharply left and down to the green, with the Dollis Brook marking out of bounds as it meanders along the left of the fairway then round the back of the hole.
The Rees Course
Originally opened in 1934, the short course was abandoned during the Second World War when it was given over to the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. It was re-opened in the early 1950’s as a six hole course designed by Dai Rees. It was extended to a 9-hole course under his supervision in 1969.
Today the Rees Course is a 1,489 yards par-28 course and the 9th hole, at 177 yards to a small green set in a hillside, is as much of a challenge as any of those on the Vardon Course.
The Rees Course provides the ideal opportunity for experienced golfers to sharpen up their short game. The course is also the perfect introduction to golf for those just starting to play and will also help them develop their knowledge of the Rules of Golf and their understanding of golf etiquette.
The Rees Course is very popular with family groups providing the relaxed environment for parents when introducing their children to the game of golf.
There is no requirement to pre-book but at week-ends it may be advisable to do so. Please book by calling the Pro-Shop.
