| Golf can be a frustrating
game at times whether you play once a year or once a week,
so if you regularly can’t see your wood for the
trees you just threw it into, then why not try playing
at one of the north London courses.
North London plays host to around eight golf courses,
which vary in terms of difficulty, course type and therefore
interest. This, in addition to the fact that they also
vary in their closeness to the city centre, means that
finding a favourite should be a pleasurable effort.
You could start your search at Bush Hill Park Golf
Club [map] (N21), one farthest from the buzz of the City but still
in north London. This pretty parkland course is actually
situated just south of Enfield town centre. The club,
established in 1895, is sure to be one of the oldest in
the area and as such maintains a tradition of standards
for dress which should be adhered to if you choose to
play there. In terms of the course, while it isn’t
particularly long, the challenge comes in trying to guide
the ball around the mature trees – a test for any
golfer.
Another option for well-practiced golfers would be Highgate
golf course [map].
Located close to Hampstead Heath, this well-established
member’s club has been around for almost a century.
But while members and their friends do get to enjoy more
benefits, visitors are welcome to play this hilly parkland
course. Again there are rules on etiquette and dress to
follow but this shouldn’t stop you enjoying the
challenge of this 18-hole course.
The North Middlesex Golf Club [map] is just 20 minutes away from central London and boasts
some of the best playing conditions in north London. Although
the club is approaching its centenary, it does manage
to mix the traditional with the modern. An elegant early
19th century House is the home of the 19th hole which
has been refurbished to feature three bars and a dining
area. Set in 74 acres of parkland, the course itself may
be short, but golfers should watch out for the tricky
greens.
If you don’t have time for the full 18-holes then Hampstead Golf Club [map] should fit the bill. Their 9-hole parkland course has
only half the number of holes of an average course but
the undulating fairways and mature trees will provide
more than enough challenge for most time-poor players.
Other suggestions for courses in north London include
the parkland course of Muswell Hill with its numerous
water hazards, the flat but financially pleasing Trent
Park course [map] (N14) and the James Braid designed Enfield course,
which offers a discount on Mondays.
There’s also a municipal course available in the
area, which caters for beginners and those a little more
well-practiced. Lee Valley Golf Course [map] is located in the park of the same name and offers visitors
the chance to play a relaxing 18-hole on this par 3 course
by a lake.
And for those who just want to grab a couple of clubs
and start swinging there’s the pitch and putt course
at Alexandra Palace.
If you want to comment on our choices or recommend somewhere,
why not use our What
You Recommend form to let us know.
|
