Location & History
Located in Beech Hill, Barnet, Hertfordshire (Greater London), Hadley Wood is remarkably accessible—about 30 minutes from Central London by train.
The club is set in 265 acres of well‐wooded parkland with mature trees, lakes, ditches, and rolling terrain.
The course was opened in 1922, designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie—best known for Augusta National. Many features show his hallmark style: raised plateau greens, multi-tiered greens, strategic bunkering, and interesting slopes.
Layout & Key Characteristics
Par & Yardage: It’s an 18-hole, par-72 course. From the back (blue) tees it’s about 6,517 yards. Slightly shorter from other tees.
Course Type: Parkland with lush tree lines, lakes and water features (especially on the front nine), and some quite bold fairway slopes. The ground is rolling but generally walkable.
Green Complexes: One of the biggest challenges is the greens. Many are raised or plateau style, often multi-tiered, well-guarded by bunkers, with contour and slope that can punish poor approach shots or bad reads.
Signature / Memorable Holes:
The 18th hole is a strong closer — a par-4, dogleg right, with fairway bunkers on the left, a protruding oak tree on the right, and a green protected both by bunkers and a mound. The green slopes, meaning approach above the hole is risky.
Other holes like 12, 13, 14 also get praised—hole 12 is downhill with an approach over a ditch to a contoured green; 13-14 are back-to-back par-5s that reward creativity.
What Makes It Great
Proximity vs Quality: Very rare to get an Alister MacKenzie design so close to London, which means wide appeal. It’s a gem for those wanting “championship feel” without major travel.
Variety & Strategy: Because many holes require thoughtful teeing, how you approach the green (location, angle, spin) matters. Not just power, but precision. The bunkering and slopes force strategic decision.
Course Condition & Presentation: Reviews indicate very good conditioning (fairways, greens), especially in favourable weather; presentation generally high.
Facilities & Atmosphere: Good practice facilities, well-appointed pro shop, a beautiful Georgian clubhouse, friendly and welcoming membership and staff.
What to Watch Out For / Challenges
Greens Are the Main Defense: While fairways may seem generous at times, if you miss the correct level or side of a green, you’re often looking at difficult putts, or worse. Getting approach shots right (both direction & height) is critical.
Slope / Undulation: Many holes (tee to fairway, fairway to green) have slope or camber; uneven lies are common. That makes club selection and shot shaping more important.
Visitor Tips
Book tee times in advance if you can, especially on a week-end or nice weather days.
Warm up properly — use putting and short game area to get a feel for the greens early since many are sloping and subtle.
Pay attention to pin position; landing above the hole or on the wrong tier can cost you dearly.
Pick tee appropriately: from back tees it’s a solid test (6,517 yards), but moving forward helps if distance or tightness concerns you.
Consider playing when recent maintenance has settled (i.e. not immediately after bunker or drainage works) for best condition.
Enjoy the clubhouse — take time to soak in the setting; being near London but with a rural feel is part of what makes the round special.
Verdict
Hadley Wood Golf Club is a rare find: a classic MacKenzie design so close to London, combining elegance, strategy, and challenge. For golfers who enjoy thoughtful design, tricky greens, a varied test (not just brute force), this will deliver. It’s especially great for mid- to low-handicappers who relish approach shot precision; higher handicappers will find it fair but will need to manage smartly.
Hadley Wood Golf Club is among North London’s finest parkland courses. Definitely worth a visit if you want golf that makes you think, rewards good shots, and offers more than just scenery.
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